Massive anti-G7 protest held in Geneva

Thousands of demonstrators marched through Geneva on Sunday, protesting against capitalism and demanding greater support for Palestinians, coinciding with the G7 summit in nearby Evian, France. The demonstration, registered as a "No G7" event, was rerouted to Geneva because French authorities indicated they would not tolerate protests near the summit location.

Concerns about potential unrest led to heightened security measures. Hundreds of Geneva's business owners and hoteliers boarded up their shop windows with plywood, echoing the damage seen during a 2003 protest against a G8 summit. That demonstration devolved into violence and looting.

Geneva's police force has mobilized reinforcements from across the country. For two days, thousands of officers have been conducting widespread checks on vehicles and pedestrians throughout the city. Despite the security presence, the protest proceeded under sunny skies, with participants gathering in a park by Lake Geneva. Initial estimates suggested several thousand people attended, many carrying Palestinian flags.

The march was organized by a coalition of approximately 60 diverse groups, including feminists, union representatives, Kurds, and a self-described "revolutionary block." Police had previously anticipated a turnout of around 50,000 participants.