Demonstrations in anticipation of October 7: “I think we are going to close the terraces tomorrow,” says a restaurateur

Merchants and citizens of Montreal are expecting excesses in anticipation of the numerous demonstrations planned in the metropolis to mark the first anniversary of the conflict tearing apart the Gaza Strip, which began on October 7, 2023.

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“I think we’re going to close the terraces tomorrow. It will be more careful, in case there is violence. I don’t want my customers to be affected,” a restaurateur told TVA Nouvelles.

“No one is going to take the risk of going out on these days, because we don’t know what will happen,” said a citizen.

The Montreal City Police Service (SPVM) announced the launch of a special operation Friday morning, as part of a press briefing.

Agents will be deployed in certain Jewish and Muslim neighborhoods to carry out surveillance. The police are also ready to intervene to put an end to demonstrations in the event of excess.

Altercations between the different factions of the conflict are expected, according to the SPVM.

“We saw in certain demonstrations that there were counter-demonstrations. At the police level, this makes the situation more complex. We are preparing for any eventuality,” said Stéphane Richer, from the police department.

More than 350 demonstrations have taken place in the territory of the City of Montreal since October 7, 2023, according to the SPVM. These events led to 100 arrests. Forty protesters face criminal charges following their participation in the rallies.

See the full explanation in the video above.