MONTREAL (AP) – Canada’s top ministers on Saturday condemned anti-NATO protests that turned violent in Montreal and said “hatred and anti-Semitism” have no place in the country.
Police said they arrested at least three people after protests that began late Friday afternoon saw two cars set on fire and windows smashed at some businesses and a convention center where a NATO meeting was being held.
Montreal police said smoke bombs were deployed and metal barriers were thrown into the streets during the protest.
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The protest was organized by Divest for Palestine and the anti-capitalist struggle Convergence group, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday.
Delegates from NATO member and partner countries gathered in Montreal this weekend to discuss issues including support for Ukraine, climate change and the future of the alliance.
Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie and Defense Minister Bill Blair told reporters at the Halifax International Security Forum on Saturday that the protesters’ actions were unacceptable.
“What we saw was not a peaceful protest. What we saw was real violence, hatred and anti-Semitism, and this has no place on our streets,” Joly said.
“Of course we believe in freedom of speech and freedom of protest. But where we draw the line is when there is violence.”
Prime Minister Blair added that the protests were “completely different from lawful, peaceful protests.” Instead, he called the protests an act of “anarchy” by a “mob.”
“What was revealed in the city of Montreal was participation in violence and hatred,” Blair said. “These actions are unacceptable and we can condemn them, especially hatred and anti-Semitism in the strongest terms.”
Police spokesman Manuel Couture said the protesters had completely dispersed by Friday evening.
