Violent clashes in Geneva before G7 Summit

Violent clashes erupted in Geneva on Sunday as thousands protested ahead of the G7 summit, which is set to begin in neighboring France. Demonstrators, including groups identified as the Black Bloc, engaged with police, who deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.

The protests, which police estimated at 20,000 participants, saw a significant number of individuals engaging in vandalism. A Tesla car was set ablaze near a bus station, and a bank branch sustained damage when protesters broke through security barriers and shattered its windows. Groups in black clothing and masks were seen throwing projectiles, including pieces of asphalt, at police lines.

Despite orders to disperse, the unrest continued into the evening. The demonstration was organized by a diverse coalition of groups, including environmentalists, feminists, and anti-imperialist activists. While many marched peacefully, a contingent of protesters instigated the clashes.

The G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains will convene leaders from the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada, with invited guests including leaders from India, Kenya, and Ukraine. Discussions are expected to cover the wars in Ukraine, Iran, and the Middle East, alongside global economic challenges. French and Swiss authorities have implemented extensive security measures, including border controls and restricted travel, to ensure the summit's safety.