Thousands of anti-G7 protesters gather in Geneva ahead of the G7 summit in nearby Évian-les-Bains, France. Multiple reports say an afternoon demonstration drew an estimated 20,000 people and that most protesters remain peaceful. Police prepare for the rallies under a heavy security presence, with Swiss authorities moving to contain violence that breaks out near Geneva’s United Nations district.
According to several outlets, clashes intensify after some demonstrators throw objects, and police disperse crowds using tear gas and water cannon. Reports describe property damage during the unrest, including a car being set on fire—described as a Tesla by some outlets—and windows being smashed at a bank and at premises connected to a UN agency.
As the violence extends into the evening, arrests are reported, though the overall scale of participation and the level of disruption beyond the most violent actions vary between accounts. Authorities also cite the need to prevent a repeat of major anti-G8 unrest in 2003 in Geneva, which is mentioned by at least one outlet as a point of reference.
