- Protests Marked by Clashes as Activists Challenge Global Leaders’ Agenda
GENEVA: Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Geneva on Sunday to protest against G7 leaders, a day before the opening of the three-day summit in the French lakeside resort of Evian-les-Bains.
The summit, scheduled from June 15 to 17, brings together leaders of the world’s major industrialized nations to discuss pressing global issues, including conflicts in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and challenges facing the international economy.
The demonstrations in Geneva turned tense as clashes erupted between protesters and police forces near the United Nations headquarters. Some demonstrators threw bottles, stones, pieces of concrete and fireworks at officers, prompting authorities to respond with tear gas and water cannons.
Police Report Presence of Radical Groups
Geneva police spokesman Alexandre Brahier said around 20,000 people took part in the protest, including nearly 600 activists linked to the so-called “Black Bloc” movement.
The demonstration, which began in a lakeside park before moving through the city, brought together a wide range of groups. Protesters displayed messages focused on environmental issues, feminism, criticism of imperialism, support for independent media and calls for Palestinian rights.
However, police said some areas of the march were disrupted by more radical elements, leading to incidents of vandalism and confrontations with law enforcement.
Alleged Presence of Polisario Supporters Raises Questions
Observers and local reports indicated that individuals identified as supporters of the Polisario Front or associated separatist groups were seen near areas where tensions escalated.
Some participants were reportedly carrying flags and symbols linked to the self-proclaimed “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” (SADR), an emblem used by supporters of Western Sahara independence claims.
Photographs from the scene showed individuals displaying these symbols near a burning barricade reportedly erected by masked protesters. Authorities said such groups were among the more militant factions that joined the broader demonstration.
Violence and Security Concerns Surround G7 Meeting
After several hours of confrontation, Swiss police used tear gas to disperse protesters involved in violent incidents. Authorities said the presence of radical activists transformed parts of the protest into scenes of unrest, with vehicles damaged, fires reported and public and private property targeted.
The incidents have renewed concerns over the ability of radical groups to use large international gatherings as platforms to promote political causes.
France and Switzerland Strengthen Summit Security
With the G7 summit taking place just across the border in France, both Swiss and French authorities have deployed extensive security measures.
France announced the mobilization of more than 13,000 police officers and gendarmes to secure the summit area, while over 800 border control officers were assigned to reinforce security operations.
Authorities have also introduced road closures, restrictions on unauthorized demonstrations and additional measures to protect businesses affected by possible unrest.
In Evian-les-Bains, several shops have boarded up their storefronts as a precaution ahead of the international meeting, which is being held under heightened security conditions.
BY: The Times Union
