Grand Prix weekend marred by protests and increased police presence

Grand Prix weekend was marred with more student protests and increased police presence downtown.

In what police were calling “preventative measures,” thirty-six arrests were made at various metro stations across the island.

Of the thirty six, twenty eight people were eventually released.

According to CTV, knives and ski masks were found in the bags of those arrested.

Police were also present on the metro’s yellow line, the line carrying passengers to the Gilles Villeneuve track. An anti-capitalist group had planned to disrupt the metro lines. Police affirmed that a municipal regulation allows police officers to question and search people in the metro.

Saturday’s peaceful demonstrations followed into a night of confrontations between police and protesters that also led to arrests.

A variety of protesters were using the Grand Prix to publicize their causes such as those opposed to capitalism, tuition hikes, and the exploitation of women.

Flickr photo by: Pedro fait de la photo