Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante is deploring the violence and vandalism in Old Montreal that occurred Sunday night after an anti-curfew protest turned violent.
Hundreds gathered in the city’s historic district to protest the government’s decision to advance the nighttime curfew to 8 p.m., and some protesters led a destructive trail through the neighbourhood, breaking store windows and lighting garbage on fire.
Plante told reporters Monday what happened in the city was “not acceptable” and described the vandalism as “ridiculous” and “stupid.”
“People are allowed to protest,” she said. “It is their right, but do it right, don’t attack people that are already suffering, that are dealing with COVID just like they are.”
A police spokesman said Monday that seven arrests were made, though there was no immediate word on charges, and that 107 tickets were issued for public health violations.
The 8 p.m. curfew entered into effect Sunday night in Montreal and its northern suburb of Laval. Premier Francois Legault imposed the new health order on the two cities as a precaution because of the rise of novel coronavirus variants of concern. Quebec City and a few other cities in the province are also under a 8 p.m. curfew.
Residents in those regions who leave their homes between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a good reason could face fines of over $1,000.
On Sunday, a mostly young crowd danced to music from loudspeakers while lighting fireworks and chanting, “freedom for the young,” before the festive atmosphere quickly degenerated. Police fired tear gas and rushed the crowd, prompting dozens of protesters to scatter and cause mayhem down the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal.
Plante defended the Montreal police response, saying they were present from the beginning of the gathering. The vandalism lasted about two hours.
“There’s always a kind of balance to find because sometimes when police officers act too fast, it can put oil on the fire,” Plante said.
Montreal police say they are still investigating possible incidents of mischief, arson, breaking and entering, and obstruction of police.
Quebec’s public security minister also called Sunday night’s vandalism unacceptable.
“Outbursts like those of last night in Old Montreal cannot be tolerated,” Genevieve Guilbault said on Twitter. “We have the right to express our disagreements, but we must do so with the greatest respect for the health rules in force.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 12, 2021.
The Canadian Press
