Montreal police move in to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment at Square Victoria

Montreal police (SPVM), alongside blue-collar workers began dismantling the pro-Palestinian encampment at Square Victoria in downtown Montreal early Friday morning.

Officers started their operation around 5 a.m.

When the SPVM arrived, there were 15 people on the scene. The evacuation appeared to take place peacefully and calmly.

Palestine camp Victoria Square
The pro-Palestinian encampment at Victoria Square on July 5 2024. (Alyssia Rubertucci, CityNews Image)

The encampment was set up on June 22.

The protesters demanded that the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec end all relations with Israeli institutions that they believe are complicit in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

They also asked Quebec to close its office in Israel.

No arrests were made during intervention.

However, an 18-year-old man was arrested for an assault against a police office on June 25 after being accused of pointing lasers at police officers near Square Victoria.

Another pro-Palestinian encampment, established on the McGill University campus at the end of April is still currently in place. 

The one at UQAM came down in early June after protesters there said they were satisfied with progress made with the school’s administration.

Palestine camp Victoria Square
The pro-Palestinian encampment is taken down at Victoria Square on July 5 2024. (Alyssia Rubertucci, CityNews Image)

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