Police in Montreal declared Sunday’s annual march against police brutality illegal before it started and later made one arrest and issued 94 tickets. This was the 19th annual protest. Even though eight police cars were vandalized, the force’s spokesman said he was pleased the demonstration ended without violence.
Authorities said the march was illegal because protesters failed to provide their route in advance which is required by Montreal bylaws. Despite warnings, protesters began the march and were quickly surrounded and detained by police in riot gear.
Most of the violations were handed out because protesters blocked the street. Two demonstrators were ticketed for covering their faces during the protests, which is also against city bylaws.
There is some apprehension because protest organizers are planning a demonstration at nearly the same time and place as Montreal’s popular, annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 22. Scouts Canada has pulled out of the event due to what it says is “a risk of potential violence.”
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