Valérie Plante said Monday that she does not want a confrontation with the police at the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill, while the university is requesting an injunction from the Superior Court.
The mayor of Montreal affirmed that the encampment is “peaceful”, but that the university has “absolutely the right” to go to court to force the demonstrators to leave.
“The last thing we want is to get close to confrontations between demonstrators and a police department [qui ont eu lieu] in American cities,” said M.me Plant. “It’s not who we are. »
“What I hope is that the dialogue continues between McGill University and the demonstrators,” continued the elected official. “Montreal is a city of peace, an inclusive city where we have the right to share opinions. » She spoke on the sidelines of a press conference.
The university’s lawyers are presenting their arguments today before a Superior Court judge at the Montreal courthouse.
On Friday, the administration filed a request for an injunction to dismantle the pro-Palestinian encampment that has occupied its campus for two weeks, citing security and health risks.
The demonstrators, who demand that their administration cut all academic and financial ties with Israel, reiterated their desire to remain on campus.
Over the weekend, another pro-Palestinian encampment emerged on the grounds of the University of Quebec in Montreal.
A few dozen tents were set up Monday on the lawn of the interior courtyard of the Pierre-Dansereau Science Complex. Barricades blocked access to the camp.
More details to come.