Geneva police use tear gas on anti-G7 demonstrators
Police confronted protesters in Geneva a day before G7 leaders were due to meet across the border in Evian-les-Bains, France.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
Geneva police fired tear gas and used water cannons against anti-G7 protesters on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported, as demonstrations ahead of the G7 summit descended into violence. The unrest came one day before leaders were set to gather in Evian-les-Bains, France, for a three-day meeting.
According to Al Jazeera, the protests were led by a group calling itself “No-G7.” The demonstrations took place in Geneva, across the border from the French resort town where the summit is scheduled to run from June 15 to June 17.
A Reuters photograph from Geneva showed riot police moving past a fire during the protest on June 14. Al Jazeera reported that police responded with tear gas and water cannons after the demonstrations became violent.
The summit in Evian-les-Bains is the first major international gathering since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran in late February, Al Jazeera reported. That timing has added weight to the meeting, which was already drawing opposition from anti-G7 activists.
Al Jazeera did not report details on arrests, injuries or damage from the Geneva protest. It also did not provide further information on the specific demands of the “No-G7” group.
The clashes underscored the security pressure surrounding the summit before formal talks had begun. The G7 meeting is scheduled to continue through June 17.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.