THE GUARDIAN: Canadian province's government accused of 'murdering the right to demonstrate' in response to months of turmoil
Quebec's provincial government has passed an emergency law restricting demonstrations and shutting some universities as the government seeks to end three months of protests against tuition fee increases. Outraged students reacted by calling it an act of war.
Among the provisions of the law, which passed 68-48 on Friday, is a requirement that police be informed eight hours before a protest and told the route of any demonstration that includes 50 or more people.
Hours after the vote thousands of protesters marched in downtown Montreal to condemn the legislation, which students and supporters say limits their ability to demonstrate their disapproval of the fee hikes. "They pulled the plug instead of trying to develop something constructive through talks, " said participant Felix Siry, 22. "I think this will just make things worse."
Police officers in riot gear and others on horseback watched as the loud and energetic crowd made its way downtown, chanting: "No special law will break us!"
Molotov cocktails were thrown causing police to declare the demonstration illegal. Police used pepper spray and one man was arrested. Some people threw objects at a small group of helmeted police who were forced to retreat but charged back firing teargas. » | Associated Press in Montreal | Saturday, May 19, 2012
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