Thousands hold G7 protest in Geneva as world leaders prepare for summit in nearby France
Roughly 7,000 protesters clashed with police, set a car on fire and smashed the windows of a bank in the Swiss city on Sunday
Protesters in Geneva clashed with police, set a car on fire and smashed the windows of a bank on Sunday to show their discontent with the G7 group of major advanced economies on the eve of a summit in nearby France to be attended by the group’s leaders including US President Donald Trump.
Environmentalists and feminists joined foes of imperialism, defenders of independent media, supporters of Palestinian rights and others in a lakeside park in Geneva for a march across the Swiss city. A boat with a sail reading “No G7” floated by as sunbathers and swimmers basked under blue skies.
Police used tear gas in response to projectiles being thrown at them by demonstrators, and firefighters attended the scene of a burning car just minutes away from the march route as riot police cordoned off a secure zone for them to work. A crowd congregated nearby, many holding mobile phones to film the damage.
Elsewhere on the march route, the wooden barriers at a Banque du Leman were ripped down and the windows smashed.
Alexandre Brahier, a spokesman for the Geneva police, said an estimated 7,000 people were taking part in the march. He declined to indicate how many people had been arrested, saying police were waiting to see the full picture.
Among the crowd was a group of about 15 youths wearing black hoodies and masks who gathered behind an anti-Trump banner. Signs reading “Antisemitic never; anti-Zionist always” could also be seen.