International Workers Day rally yields unlawful assembly fines for participants ----
Montreal police arrested 447 people last night during a May Day demonstration in Montreal
organized by a group called the Anti-Capitalist Convergence, or CLAC*. ---- Those arrested
at the demonstration that coincided with International Workers? Day were released over the
course of the night and handed a $637 fine for unlawful assembly. ---- The noisy,
colourful rally Wednesday was almost festive when it began early on the unseasonably warm
evening. ---- Restaurant patrons watched from outdoor terraces as drummers, musicians and
chanting, flag-waving demonstrators gathered in Place Jacques-Cartier. ---- However,
police declared the gathering illegal shortly after it started under the controversial
Montreal public order bylaw P-6.
The bylaw makes it illegal to participate in an assembly with a face obscured by a scarf,
hood or mask, and requires protesters to disclose to police in advance the location and
itinerary of their demonstration.
Police said they issued a dispersal order, and also confirmed criminal acts, which
consisted mainly of wielding sticks and throwing billiard balls at officers, were performed.
"It was getting dangerous for peace and safety and the public order," said police Sgt.
Jean-Bruno Latour.
Dozens of demonstrators tried to make their way to the march's destination, a private club
known by its street number, 357c.
Witnesses at Quebec's inquiry into corruption in the construction industry have referred
to the club in testimony as a meeting place for entrepreneurs, high-level bureaucrats and
politicians to discuss business.
However, the demonstrators never reached the club.
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Hundreds of police encircled the protesters at the intersection of de la Commune Street
and St-Sulpice Street. They herded ? and in some cases, physically carried? those detained
into awaiting buses.
The CLAC denounced the police intervention, saying they used disproportionate force
against protesters.
Latour could not say if anyone would face criminal charges.
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* Antiauthoritarian anticapitalist direct action initiative
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