This translation has been automatically generated and has not been verified for accuracy.Hundreds of protesters gathered in Montreal on Sunday in defiance of a newly adjusted nightly curfew intended to stem surging COVID-19 case numbers before dozens of them started fires and damaged property in the city’s Old Montreal neighbourhood. Police responded with tear gas and said Monday they made seven arrests and issued 107 tickets for public health violations.
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.”
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.
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.
The privilege class at work, destruction of property for no apparent reason but the conspiracies that they follow