At least 25 arrested in Canada’s student unrest

CANADA: At least 25 people were arrested late Saturday after hundreds took to Montreal’s streets, protesting against plans to raise tuition fees and Canada’s hosting of the Formula One Grand Prix.

The march began peacefully, with some of the 500 protesters banging pots and pans and some wearing carnival masks.

But when the marchers neared Crescent Street and its Formula One stands, they were blocked by police who used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Pepper spray was also used as the crowd, jeered, booed and cursed.

Three police cars with broken windows and covered with graffiti were seen. Montreal police said more arrests could follow. An AFP correspondent saw a young man dressed in black handcuffed by police and subjected to a body search.

For four months, students in Quebec, along with anti-capitalist and feminist groups have held protests against government plans to increase tuition fees by 75 percent.

AFP