Protesters from pro-Palestinian encampment seeking damages in class-action lawsuit

Protestors at Square Victoria last summer suffered damages when police dismantled their encampment, according to an activist with the group Divest for Palestine.

René Delvaux now seeking up to $30,000 dollars for each camper in an application for a class-action lawsuit against the City of Montreal.

But establishing common cause is a long shot, says CTV’s legal analyst Ari Goldkind.

“The way this reads … is that there’s a bunch of separate claims,” he says.

The application was filed at the Quebec Superior Court on Dec. 23. It alleges police intimidated and repressed protestors, which caused them psychological distress.

Montreal police are also accused of damaging the group’s property, including tents and sleeping bags.

That could have legal consequences, if proven, Goldkind says.

“The police have to act with reasonable force in the lawful execution of their duties. They’re not to take hammers, to break stuff,” he adds.

The motion also alleges police dismantled the encampment without notice or justification, infringing on protestors' fundamental freedom to demonstrate.

Another claim is that a spokesperson with the group was arrested and unjustifiably detained.

The law firm leading the motion, Melançon Marceau Grenier, did not respond to CTV’s request for an interview. The city says it can’t comment on a case before the court.

In order to move forward, the class action has to be authorized by a judge.