April 20 2012
I was actually out looking to shoot some abstract images today but instead found myself shooting police in riot gear.
Violence erupted at the Palais des Congrès in downtown Montreal this afternoon as student protesters broke in, forcing Premier Jean Charest to delay his Plan Nord pitch to Montreal’s business community. I was late getting to where the violence took place that involved students throwing projectiles at police and police responding with tear gas and baton charges.
Even so the atmosphere was still tense in and around China Town and the Palais des Congrès.
Riot Police block Avenue Viger
Riot police take up position
Riot police move into position
Riot Police guard the Place d’Armes Metro station
Riot Police guard the Place d’Armes Metro station
Riot Police guard the Place d’Armes Metro station
Riot Police guard the Place d’Armes Metro station
Riot Police block avenue Viger
Riot Police block avenue Viger
Riot Police block avenue Viger
Police cars along rue Saint Antoine
Police on rue Saint Urbain
Police on rue Saint Urbain
Police on rue Saint Urbain
Police on rue Saint Urbain
Police on rue Saint Urbain
Police on rue Saint Urbain
Police charge on rue Saint Urbain
Police on rue Viger with debris from earlier clash
Police on rue Viger with debris from earlier clash
Protester on rue Saint Urbain
Despite all the police activity and high profile, people continued to go about their daily business – although in many cases were forced by police to take a detour.
Local being told to take an alternative route
BIXI bikes still in demand under the watch of riot police
Rushing to get the metro home
At least no need to wait for traffic lights to change
Continuing as though nothing was going on
Hopefully back to calmer photography tomorrow.
To view images in gallery format, simply click on one of the images below.
Thanks for stopping by. Until next time.
– Martin
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2 Comments
Like a time warp for me. I was a student at Concordia about 10 years ago when it was in the thick of student demonstrations. As a reporter, I was quickly introduced to Montreal and SQ riot police.
Thanks for stopping by Ricky. Hopefully your introduction to the riot police wasn’t on the wrong end of a baton. Hard to see an end to this protest given both sides don’t appear to want to budge an inch in their stance…At least for photogs it means there’s normally something to shoot every day 😉