Clashes Erupt in Geneva as Protesters Oppose G7 Summit Across Border in France
Protesters in Geneva engaged in confrontations with police, set a vehicle ablaze, and shattered the windows of a bank to voice their opposition to the G7 summit being held just across the border in France.
On Sunday, ahead of the G7 summit in the nearby French resort town of Evian, skirmishes broke out between demonstrators and law enforcement near the United Nations (UN) building in Geneva.
Protesters hurled bottles, stones, and firecrackers at police, who retaliated with tear gas and water cannons.
According to witnesses cited by the AFP and Reuters news agencies, demonstrators aimed at the offices of the UN's telecommunications building and launched flares as police attempted to clear the area.
Thousands of security forces were stationed in Geneva, roughly 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Evian, in anticipation of the protest organized by an anti-G7 coalition.
G7 Protest Not Permitted in France
Around 20,000 individuals assembled for a march that started peacefully in the early afternoon before turning violent.
Some protesters dismantled plywood boards installed to protect storefronts, smashed windows, threw projectiles at police, and ignited a Tesla car.
The demonstration took place in Geneva because France refused to issue permits for protests near the G7 summit location, according to the Geneva city government.
Protests are frequent at G7 gatherings, with demonstrators at the summits often expressing anger over capitalism, globalization, inequality, and other topics.
Leaders from the Group of Seven wealthy nations, including US President Donald Trump, are scheduled to convene in Evian on Monday for a three-day meeting.
The agenda is expected to be largely focused on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
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