Pro-Palestinian Protesters Seek Damages in Class-Action Lawsuit
Protesters who set up camp in Square Victoria last summer are seeking damages in a class-action lawsuit filed against the City of Montreal. René Delvaux, an activist with the group Divest for Palestine, is spearheading the legal action, aiming to secure up to $30,000 for each camper affected by police dismantling of the encampment. According to CTV’s legal analyst Ari Goldkind, establishing a common cause in this case may be challenging, as it appears to involve multiple individual claims rather than a collective grievance.
The application for the class-action lawsuit was submitted to the Quebec Superior Court on December 23, citing allegations of police intimidation, repression of protesters, psychological distress, and damage to property such as tents and sleeping bags. Goldkind notes that if the accusations against Montreal police are substantiated, there could be legal consequences, emphasizing that law enforcement must exercise reasonable force in carrying out their duties without causing undue harm.
Among the claims outlined in the motion is the assertion that police dismantled the encampment abruptly and without justification, impeding the demonstrators’ right to free expression. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that a spokesperson for the group was arrested and unlawfully detained. The law firm representing the protesters, Melançon Marceau Grenier, declined to provide a statement when contacted by CTV, while the city refrained from commenting on the case due to its pending status in court.
For the class action to progress, it must receive authorization from a judge following a formal review of the claims presented.
