G7 protesters clash with police in Geneva

Clashes erupted between demonstrators and police near the United Nations building in Geneva on Sunday, as the G7 summit was set to begin in the nearby French town of Evian. The protest, organized by an anti-G7 coalition, saw thousands gather for a march that started peacefully but devolved into violence.

Protesters hurled bottles, stones, and firecrackers at police forces, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. Witnesses reported that demonstrators targeted the UN's telecommunication building and launched flares. Some individuals also tore down protective panels from shopfronts, smashed windows, and set a Tesla car ablaze.

The demonstration took place in Geneva because French authorities declined to issue permits for protests close to the G7 summit venue in Evian. This situation highlights the common occurrence of protests at G7 gatherings, where demonstrators often express anger over issues such as capitalism, globalization, and inequality.

Thousands of security personnel were deployed in Geneva, located about 50 kilometers southwest of Evian, in anticipation of the protest. Leaders from the Group of Seven wealthy nations, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are scheduled to convene in Evian for a three-day meeting expected to focus on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.