Riot police in Geneva fired tear gas and water cannons at stone-throwing demonstrators on Sunday as an estimated 20,000 people marched against the G7 summit. The demonstrations aimed to highlight issues such as the environment, human rights, imperialism, fascism, and capitalism, but the ensuing violence has boarded up downtown Geneva and caused harm to locals.
Violence Erupts Early in March
A car was set on fire, a bank's windows were smashed, and hundreds of masked youths in black hoodies, known as "Black Bloc" militants, mixed with peaceful marchers, according to Geneva police spokesman Alexandre Brahier. He put the number of militants at around 600. The violence began early in the march. Firefighters rushed to put out a burning Tesla next to a central bus stop. Nearby, demonstrators tore down wooden barriers protecting a Banque du Leman and shattered its windows.
Clashes with Police
Some protesters fired flares toward officers. Others ripped chunks of asphalt from the road and hurled them at police in riot gear. The clashes continued even after authorities ordered the crowd to disperse. Despite the violence, the vast majority of the 20,000 marchers were peaceful. Women's rights advocates led the procession, many wearing purple T-shirts and carrying signs denouncing the "patriarchy" and demanding equal pay. Others held banners supporting Palestinians in Gaza or criticizing Trump, often in profane terms.
Organizers' Preparations
Organizers had spent weeks negotiating with local authorities before the march. They even printed a handbook for demonstrators, complete with a map of the security perimeter, tips on what to wear, and advice on what to do if detained. The G7 summit begins Monday in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains, just across Lake Geneva from the Swiss city. French authorities have deployed more than 13,000 police and gendarmes to secure the three-day meeting. Over 800 French border control officers will be active.
Businesses on Edge
In Geneva, businesses boarded up their windows with wooden panels, fearing a similar scale of destruction as what had ensued when a similar summit was held in 2003. Only seven of the 35 roadway border crossings between Switzerland and France remain open. Francoise Nyffeler, spokesperson for the NoG7 coalition that organized the demonstration, told AP the group is afraid of Trump's policies on tariffs, the Iran war, climate, and even his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Additional Demonstrations
A flotilla of about 20 boats appeared on Lake Geneva on Saturday, displaying anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners. Swiss media reported that around 20 protesters were detained Friday evening. The G7 brings together Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. Leaders of India, Kenya, and Ukraine are also expected to join discussions on the wars in Ukraine, Iran, and the Middle East, as well as global inequality and access to critical minerals. Trump's announcement of a US-Iran peace deal just before leaving Washington could reshape the summit's dynamics.
