Montreal police have stated that the ongoing occupation of McGill University’s administration building by pro-Palestinian activists will not alter their approach to the nearby encampment.
According to a statement released by the Montreal Police Service (SPVM), they will continue to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of all individuals involved, but will not intervene in the occupation of the James Administration Building.
The occupation began on April 12, with activists demanding that McGill University divest from companies that they claim are complicit in human rights violations against Palestinians. The encampment, which has been set up outside the building, has been ongoing since March 22.
Despite calls from some individuals and groups for the police to intervene and remove the activists from the building, the SPVM has maintained that they will not take action unless there is a risk to public safety.
In their statement, the SPVM emphasized that they respect the right to peaceful protest and will continue to monitor the situation closely. They also stated that they have been in communication with both the university administration and the activists to ensure a peaceful resolution.
The university has also released a statement, acknowledging the occupation and stating that they are committed to engaging in dialogue with the activists. They have also reiterated their support for freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
The occupation has received mixed reactions from the public, with some showing support for the activists’ cause and others expressing frustration with the disruption to university operations.
As of now, there is no indication of when the occupation will end, but both the SPVM and the university have stated that they will continue to monitor the situation and work towards a peaceful resolution.
