Mass Anti-G7 Protest In Geneva

Geneva: Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Geneva on Sunday to protest against the G7 group of rich nations ahead of a summit in nearby Evian-les-Bains, France, where US President Trump and others are due to meet. 

Environmentalists, feminists, pro-Palestini­an activists, media freedom advocates and anti-imperialist groups joined a march across the Swiss city. Swiss and French authorities deployed thousands of police and imposed tight security steps, road closures, restrictions on unauthorised gatherings and reinforced border controls. Businesses in Geneva and along the French border boarded up storefronts amid fears of unrest, recalling damage caused during a similar meet in Evian in 2003. 

Activists have been gathering for days, while anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian protests have taken place on Lake Geneva and in the city. French officials said over 13,000 police and gendarmerie officers would secure the summit area. Protest organisers said participants oppos­ed G7 policies on issues inclu­ding conflict, climate change and global inequality, with particular criticism directed at Trump’s leadership. —AP