FAB
4th May 2004, 15:11
Revolutionary greetings from Canada!
This year, more than 75,000 people participated in the traditional union demo for May 1st in Montreal, Canada. The demo was part of a months-long campaign waged by the unions against the regressive politics of the newly-elected Liberal Party in the province of Quebec.
Starting from the same demo, a "Red Black" detachment of 500 people led by Maoists from the RCP(OC) and different anarchists groups took to the streets separately to express proletarian internationalism, condemn the occupation of Iraq and especially oppose Canadian imperialism's military occupation of Afghanistan.
When arriving at the park where the union demo was ending, some activists burned an effigy representing Quebec's Prime Minister Jean Charest, spreading great joy among the protestors. Then approximately 50 anti-riot cops charged anyone who was waving a red flag.
But they were opposed firmly and with success by activists who vigourously used their flag poles for self-defense. The cops received a few dozens of stones thrown by people furious at them; some of them also saw their black shields and clothes decorated with beautiful yellow paint -- which certainly is a better color for representing them. After a few minutes, the cops have been forced to retreat since they were no longer able to face the anger of the masses.
At least three valiant protestors have been injured including a young woman suffering from a minor concussion after being hit on the head by a truncheon.
During all the demo, Maoists chanted slogans supporting the people's war in Nepal, Peru and the Philippines and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Revolutionary Internationalist Movement.
Attached is a picture of the red black detachment. Other pictures can be seen on the Centre for media alternatives - Quebec Web site at: http://www.cmaq.net/fr/module.php?mod=node&or=2
A reporter from Canada.
This year, more than 75,000 people participated in the traditional union demo for May 1st in Montreal, Canada. The demo was part of a months-long campaign waged by the unions against the regressive politics of the newly-elected Liberal Party in the province of Quebec.
Starting from the same demo, a "Red Black" detachment of 500 people led by Maoists from the RCP(OC) and different anarchists groups took to the streets separately to express proletarian internationalism, condemn the occupation of Iraq and especially oppose Canadian imperialism's military occupation of Afghanistan.
When arriving at the park where the union demo was ending, some activists burned an effigy representing Quebec's Prime Minister Jean Charest, spreading great joy among the protestors. Then approximately 50 anti-riot cops charged anyone who was waving a red flag.
But they were opposed firmly and with success by activists who vigourously used their flag poles for self-defense. The cops received a few dozens of stones thrown by people furious at them; some of them also saw their black shields and clothes decorated with beautiful yellow paint -- which certainly is a better color for representing them. After a few minutes, the cops have been forced to retreat since they were no longer able to face the anger of the masses.
At least three valiant protestors have been injured including a young woman suffering from a minor concussion after being hit on the head by a truncheon.
During all the demo, Maoists chanted slogans supporting the people's war in Nepal, Peru and the Philippines and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Revolutionary Internationalist Movement.
Attached is a picture of the red black detachment. Other pictures can be seen on the Centre for media alternatives - Quebec Web site at: http://www.cmaq.net/fr/module.php?mod=node&or=2
A reporter from Canada.