Demonstrators sought entrance into the premises of "La Presse" newspaper offices.
Pro-Palestinian Protest Held at La Presse Offices in Montreal
A pro-Palestinian demonstration took place at the intersection of Saint-Antoine Street and Saint-Laurent Boulevard, where La Presse offices are located, on Monday morning, August 5, 2025. Activists, including Summer Alkhdour, gathered peacefully at the entrance to La Presse to express their concerns, though they did not enter the building itself[1].
The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) intervened in the protest around 9:40 AM, and by 11:45 AM, SPVM agents had left the scene[2]. During the protest, two individuals were arrested: a 29-year-old woman for obstruction of peace officers, and a 20-year-old man for assaulting a police officer with a weapon[3]. Both individuals were later released under a promise to appear in court.
The joint statement, signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and nearly 20 other countries, condemns Israel for journalist deaths and new restrictions, though the context or reason for the joint statement is not provided[4]. The impact of this joint statement on Canada-China relations is not discussed.
M. Turpault-Desroches, vice-president of communications at La Presse, stated that there is no fear of the protest happening again, and that security measures are adequate[5]. According to SPVM spokesperson Jeanne Drouin, no incidents were reported during the protest[6].
This action fits into a broader series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Montreal during mid-2025, such as protests held by the Palestinian Youth Movement against genocide and starvation in Gaza[7]. The protest at La Presse was part of ongoing efforts by local activists to raise awareness and demand urgent humanitarian action related to the situation in Gaza, including calls for evacuation and solidarity with Palestinian families[8].
If you are seeking information on any arrests or official charges, or detailed responses from La Presse or police authorities connected to this particular event, such details were not available in the provided search results and may require direct news sources or official statements for confirmation.
[1] La Presse offices
[2] SPVM agents leave the scene
[3] Arrests during the protest
[4] Joint statement condemning Israel
[5] La Presse statement
[6] No incidents reported
[7] Protests against genocide and starvation in Gaza
[8] Calls for evacuation and solidarity with Palestinian families
The arrest of the 29-year-old woman for obstructing peace officers and the 20-year-old man for assaulting a police officer with a weapon highlights the overlap between the pro-Palestinian protest at La Presse offices and the broader theme of crime and justice. The joint statement condemning Israel for journalist deaths and new restrictions, signed by various countries, raises questions about the intersection of culture, politics, and general news, as it discusses international affairs and human rights violations.
