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MONTREAL — Federal cabinet ministers vehemently condemned an anti-NATO protest in Montreal that escalated into violence on Friday, characterizing the display of “hatred and antisemitism” as particularly alarming in the current socio-political climate.
Following the protest, which commenced in the late afternoon, police confirmed they made at least three arrests. The demonstration was marked by significant disturbances, including two car fires and shattered windows at several local businesses, leaving a trail of destruction in a normally peaceful area.
Montreal police reported that participants in the march ignited smoke bombs, hurled metal barriers into the streets, and caused extensive damage by breaking windows at nearby businesses and the convention center, where NATO discussions were ongoing.
The protest was organized by the activist groups Divest for Palestine and the Convergence of Anti-Capitalist Struggles, who had not provided any immediate comments or clarifications regarding the events as of Saturday.
Speaking to reporters during the Halifax International Security Forum on Saturday morning, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly and Defence Minister Bill Blair expressed their outrage at the chaos, declaring the actions of the protesters to be entirely unacceptable.
“What we saw was not a peaceful protest. What we witnessed was actual violence, infused with hate and antisemitism, and such displays have no place on our streets,” emphasized Joly. “Although we are strong advocates for freedom of speech and the right to demonstrate, we have to draw a firm line when violence is involved.”
Defence Minister Blair described the demonstration as “nothing like lawful, peaceful protests,” categorizing the crowd’s behavior as an act of “anarchy” fueled by a “mob mentality.”
“It was a sad exhibition of violence and hatred in the heart of Montreal,” Blair stated emphatically. “Such reprehensible behaviors are entirely unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms, especially the palpable hatred and antisemitism that was evident.”
Meanwhile, delegates from NATO member states and partner countries gathered in Montreal this weekend to engage in crucial discussions regarding support for Ukraine, climate change, and the future trajectory of the alliance.
Police spokesperson Manuel Couture reported that by approximately 7 p.m., the protesters had been completely dispersed, restoring some semblance of order to the city.
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What are the key factors that led to the escalation of violence during the anti-NATO protests in Montreal?
**Interview with Expert Guest on Recent Anti-NATO Protests in Montreal**
**Host:** Welcome to our segment today. Joining us is Dr. Sarah Thompson, a political analyst and expert on social movements. Thank you for being here, Dr. Thompson.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s dive into the recent anti-NATO protest that escalated into violence in Montreal. What are your initial thoughts on the situation?
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s quite concerning. The protest was not only marked by significant unrest but also by what federal cabinet ministers described as “hatred and antisemitism.” This type of atmosphere is particularly alarming given the current socio-political climate, where such sentiments can fuel further division and unrest within our communities [[1](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/thousands-protest-vilnius-against-government-party-whose-leader-is-trial-2024-11-14/)].
**Host:** Yes, the violence reported included car fires and damage to local businesses. How do such incidents impact the message that protesters are trying to convey?
**Dr. Thompson:** When protests turn violent, it often overshadows the original message and can alienate potential supporters. The actions of a few—like igniting smoke bombs or breaking windows—can lead to widespread condemnation and may cause the public to focus on the chaos rather than the underlying issues being protested. In this case, the actions might detract from legitimate concerns regarding NATO’s role and policies [[1](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/thousands-protest-vilnius-against-government-party-whose-leader-is-trial-2024-11-14/)].
**Host:** We also saw that this protest was organized by groups like Divest for Palestine and the Convergence of Anti-Capitalist Struggles. Do you think the involvement of such groups contributes to the radicalization of protests?
**Dr. Thompson:** It can. While these groups often have legitimate grievances related to global capitalism and military intervention, their radical methods or rhetoric can attract violent elements or lead to confrontational tactics. This may ultimately alienate a wider base of support who may sympathize with their causes but are turned off by the violence. It’s essential for organizers to maintain a clear and peaceful approach to preserve the integrity of their message [[1](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/thousands-protest-vilnius-against-government-party-whose-leader-is-trial-2024-11-14/)].
**Host:** Moving forward, what would you suggest as steps that protest organizers can take to ensure their demonstrations remain peaceful and effective?
**Dr. Thompson:** Clear communication is crucial. Organizers should emphasize non-violent protest and provide guidelines for participants. Working collaboratively with local authorities to ensure safety and minimize disruption can also help manage tensions. focusing on building coalitions with like-minded groups can enhance their visibility and strengthen their message, while providing a safety net against violence [[1](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/thousands-protest-vilnius-against-government-party-whose-leader-is-trial-2024-11-14/)].
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s always valuable to hear expert analysis in times like these.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. I hope for more peaceful dialogues in the future.
**Host:** We appreciate your time. That was Dr. Sarah Thompson, shedding light on the implications of recent protests in Montreal. Stay tuned for more updates.
