2001 Quebec protests

The 2001 Quebec protests were a series of popular civil protests and riots against the 3rd Summit of the Americas, from 20 to 22 April in Quebec City. Mass protests was met with tear gas and grenades was thrown by police, who claimed demonstrators were storming buildings. Protests ceased on 22 April.[1]

2001 Quebec protests
Part of Anti-globalization movement
Tear gas thrown at protesters on 21 April 2001 near the security wall encircling the meeting site
DateApril 20, 2001 – April 22, 2001
Location
Quebec, Canada
Caused by
Goals
MethodsDemonstrations, Riots
Resulted in
  • Protests suppressed by force

Background

The province of Quebec is known for its history of protest movements, including its movement for independence from Canada. Quebec had seen harsh police repression and police brutality during previous protests. In 1968, 1974, 1986 and 1996 movements occurred throughout the state. Protesters marched for their rights and an end of the 3rd Summit of the Americas.[2]

Protests

Police claimed that their actions were justified in protecting delegates from "red-zone" attempts to break through the fence, as well as to violent protesters destroying property and attacking the police, the media, and other protesters.[3]

Many protesters accused the police of excessive force, claiming that the police's abundant use of tear gas and rubber bullets was both completely disproportionate to the scale of violence, and primarily directed at unarmed, peaceful demonstrators with dispersal of violent protesters an afterthought. A number of protesters were severely injured by rubber bullets; also, tear gas canisters were fired directly at protesters on numerous occasions, in violation of the protocols governing their use. They also criticized the actions of prison authorities. Altogether, the anti-globalization movement described the actions of the police in Quebec City as an attempt to suppress dissent.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Police fire water cannon, tear gas in Quebec City". CBC. April 22, 2001.
  2. "Quebec braced for protest march". CNN. April 21, 2001.
  3. "Protesters battle police at Summit of Americas". CNN. April 20, 2001.
  4. "Fighting the FTAA: Quebec City, 2001". The Thistle. June–July 2001.
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