Tear gas used, and six arrested in annual anti-police brutality protest in Montreal

Montreal police say six protesters were arrested at the annual March 15 anti-police brutality protest in Montreal.

Montreal police used tear gas and arrested six individuals on Saturday in the course of the annual anti-police brutality protest.

At around 1:30 p.m. demonstrators gathered near Lionel-Groulx metro station for the event.

“During the demonstration, fireworks and projectiles were thrown at police officers,” said SPVM spokesperson Emanuel Couture.

A protester was arrested for assaulting a police officer at around 2 p.m., police said.

Couture said “irritant gas” was used on the demonstrators.

At around 2:15 p.m., police arrested several protesters for obstructing police work, and, again, irritant gas was used, the SPVM said.

The demonstration dispersed into the metro shortly after, Couture said.

Collectif Mars 15 is one of the groups that participates in the annual police-brutality protest.

“The entire police system is a tool of control and domination that protects the rich and the fascists,” the group said on their website.

In 2024, police reported one arrest and 10 acts of mischief during that year’s protest.