demonstrators

By Beryl Wajsman, Editor
The Suburban

Several dozen Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blockaded the home of McGill Associate Provost for Equity Angela Campbell in NDG Sunday. They set up a tent with posters and Palestinian flags and shouted intimidating screeds through bullhorns in the quiet residential area. They included some aimed directly at Campbell telling her that she “can’t hide” and accusing her of being complicit in the what they describe as a genocide.

The police closed off streets around Monkland but according to neighbours speaking on condition of anonymity said they would not intervene as long as it remained a “peaceful” protest. SPVM spokesperson Cst.Caroline Chevrefils confirmed the details of the events to The Suburban.The demonstration broke up after three hours.

Regarding the incident at Campbell’s home, McGill stated, “McGill condemns this absolutely unacceptable behaviour. Targeting people and their families at their residence crosses the line from peaceful protest to intimidation and harassment.”

McGill still has not yet signed a trespass complaint with the police against the encampment but will be back in court seeking a permanent injunction to remove the encampment on the grounds that McGill is the owner of the property the encampment is occupying. Its temporary injunction request was denied last week because of what the court said was a failure to demonstrate “urgency.”

McGill’s new injunction demand would have the protesters barred from “camping or occupying in any manner whatsoever” as well as from protesting in any way that is in violation of university policy on its downtown campus. The order would also authorize bailiffs tasked with serving the judgment to “call upon any peace officer to assist them.” n