Activists who organized a pro-Palestinian rally in the streets of Montreal on Friday evening argued that statements associating their demonstration with hatred were unjustified.
Earlier in the day, Public Security Minister François Bonnardel and Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry both said supporters of the Palestinian cause had the right to demonstrate, but warned that the police would not tolerate the promotion of hatred.
“I think this reflects the fear campaign being waged by Canada and the Western powers to silence any support for the Palestinian people, for those who defend the cause of innocent civilians who are dying under Israeli bombs,” said Sarah Shamy, spokesperson for the Palestinian Youth Movement.
“As we speak, bombs are raining down on the people of Gaza. These are weapons and bombs that we finance,” she added.
Mme Shamy, however, refused to condemn Hamas’ attack on Israel, saying only that colonized peoples have the right to resist their occupation.
The peaceful protest spanned several blocks, as crowds marched toward the Israeli consulate building just west of downtown.
In front of the consulate, demonstrators chanted slogans calling for the liberation of Palestine and a boycott of Israel.
Many demonstrators carried Palestinian flags, while others carried signs condemning the deaths of Palestinian children or celebrating “resistance” to Israel.