The annual demonstration against police brutality, which frequently turns into riots, changes organizing committee after 25 years. With an uncertain result on the level of tension in the streets of Montreal.
The March 15 demonstration had been organized by the Collective opposed to police brutality (COBP) since 1997. In a manifesto recently posted online, the “March 15 Collective” indicates that it is now taking over.
“The Collectif March 15 wants to reach more communities and create links with various organizations,” states the organization in its text. “The objective of the March 15 Collective is to renew, or even reorient, this activist tradition. »
The meaning of this potential reorientation is however not explained. The text also does not mention the position of the new organizing committee on the frequent violent confrontations between the police and the demonstrators which have punctuated the history of this demonstration. The March 15 Collective continues to advocate “opposition to police interventions – brutal or not” and says it wants to “perpetuate the militant tradition that is the annual Demonstration”.
The COBP and the Collectif 15 mars did not respond to the interview request from The Press.
André Gélinas, a former detective sergeant in intelligence at the Montreal City Police Service (SPVM), explained in an interview that this annual event was the subject of significant preparation within the police ranks.
“Every year, there is an assessment of the threat that is made. They look at what can circulate on social networks, what is said, what is being prepared,” said the ex-police officer. “It is certain that it is a demonstration which requires a lot of planning, a lot of personnel, because we know full well that these people will seek confrontation, will seek to commit acts which will force the police to to intervene. »
According to Mr. Gélinas, it is difficult to predict whether the change of guard at the head of the demonstration will change the behavior of the demonstrators.