Pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University enters 2nd week

The McGill University encampment in support of Gaza entered its second week Saturday.

Pro-Palestinian supporters remained on the university’s lower grounds, a day after Quebec Premier François Legault again urged for the camp to be dismantled.

The eighth day of the encampment saw protesters hold a rally at the Roddick Gates on Sherbrooke Street.

“Canadian citizens here are feeling like second-class citizens, that their lives are worthless, disposable,” one man told CityNews.

“To me, there is only one kind of justice, and it’s for everybody the same.

“Freedom of speech is only on the paper. Of course, now we, seemingly, we have freedom of speech, because I’m speaking outside, and you’re interviewing me, and nobody’s arresting us. But as soon as people will know about that, I know that I’m going to receive hundreds of messages of hatred.”

Encampment participants and supporters say they will leave the grounds when McGill divests from companies they say are tied to Israel.

“It’s a very good way of asking for what they want, which is full divestment and disclosure and I’m 100 per cent with them,” a protest supporter said. “It’s been a long time I’ve been following the situation.

“And I think it’s important for everybody to live equally and share.”

On Thursday, a counter-protest by pro-Israel demonstrators was held steps away from the encampment. Heavy police presence separated the two and it ended peacefully.

President and vice-chancellor of McGill University, Deep Saini, released an updated statement on Friday saying: “Montreal police mobilized and worked successfully to avoid escalation. We are grateful for their expertise and continue to collaborate closely with them…

“We are focused on ensuring the health and safety of our community in this difficult and complex situation.”