Police say McGill occupation won't change approach to pro-Palestinian encampment
Montreal police say that despite the occupation Thursday of a McGill University administration building that ended with 15 arrests, they have no plans to move in on a pro-Palestinian encampment on the downtown campus.
Thursday's occupation, which ended with police in riot gear spraying tear gas at protesters, was an escalation in the standoff that began when demonstrators set up an encampment on the university's lawn more than a month ago.
Const. Jean-Pierre Brabant said Friday that police intervened because crimes were being committed, which is not the case with the encampment. He wouldn't say if those arrested had been involved in the encampment.
"Concerning the encampment, nothing is going to change," Brabant said, adding that it's up to the university to convince a court to have the encampment dismantled. Quebec Superior Court has twice denied injunction requests to clear out the protesters.
In a statement to media on Friday, the university called the incident "troubling." It says protesters occupied its administration building, blockaded several doors, damaged furniture and yelled threats, forcing some staff to shelter in place.
McGill says it supports the right to freedom of expression within the limits of the law but condemns "the use of intimidating, aggressive, harassing or illegal tactics such as those seen yesterday."
Police say 13 people were arrested for breaking and entering and two people were arrested for obstructing police work, after officers in riot gear used chemical irritants to forcefully disperse the crowd.
Pro-Palestinian protesters set up tents on McGill's lower field in late April, demanding the university pull its investments tied to Israel's military and sever relationships with Israeli academic institutions. As of Friday afternoon, the encampment on the university's lower field, in downtown Montreal, remained.
Veronique Dubuc, a spokesperson for Montreal police, acknowledged officers used tear gas and shields to disperse protesters on Thursday. She said protesters threw objects and rocks at the officers.
Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights McGill, a student group participating in the encampment, posted a statement on Instagram as Thursday's events unfolded, promising an "escalation" of the protest movement.
"As the Zionist forces massacre Palestinians in Rafah and Jabalia, our administration continues to shamelessly fund genocide, ignoring the collective demands of the student body and the encampment," the group said. "Until McGill cuts all financial and academic ties with the Zionist regime, students will carry out a forceful campaign of escalation."
McGill blamed protesters for an impasse in negotiations, saying students at the encampment "walked away from the table" last week.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante said police intervened Thursday to "restore order."
She said the right to protest doesn't include "violence and the illegal occupying of McGill buildings." At a news conference at city hall earlier in the day, Plante refused to take questions about the situation at McGill.
Brabant said that calm on campus has been restored but police were maintaining a presence on Sherbrooke Street, in front of the university's main gates.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Richard Perry, record producer behind 'You're So Vain' and other hits, dies at 82
Richard Perry, a hitmaking record producer with a flair for both standards and contemporary sounds whose many successes included Carly Simon’s 'You’re So Vain,' Rod Stewart’s 'The Great American Songbook' series and a Ringo Starr album featuring all four Beatles, died Tuesday. He was 82.
Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants and bounties for six activists including two Canadians
Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a fresh round of arrest warrants for six activists based overseas, with bounties set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to their arrests.
Read Trudeau's Christmas message
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his Christmas message on Tuesday. Here is his message in full.
Stunning photos show lava erupting from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano
One of the world's most active volcanoes spewed lava into the air for a second straight day on Tuesday.
Indigenous family faced discrimination in North Bay, Ont., when they were kicked off transit bus
Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal has awarded members of an Indigenous family in North Bay $15,000 each after it ruled they were victims of discrimination.
What is flagpoling? A new ban on the practice is starting to take effect
Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as 'flagpoling.'
Dismiss Trump taunts, expert says after 'churlish' social media posts about Canada
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights
American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive.
King Charles III is set to focus on healthcare workers in his traditional Christmas message
King Charles III is expected to use his annual Christmas message to highlight health workers, at the end of a year in which both he and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer.