MONTREAL — Over the weekend, high-ranking Canadian officials criticized a violent anti-NATO demonstration in Montreal, asserting that “hatred and antisemitism” have no place within the nation.

Authorities reported that at least three individuals were arrested during the protest, which began late Friday afternoon. The unrest resulted in two vehicles being set ablaze and various businesses, along with a convention center that was hosting a NATO conference, sustaining damage with shattered windows.

Montreal police indicated that the crowd resorted to using smoke bombs and threw metal barricades into the streets during the demonstration.

The protest was orchestrated by the groups Divest for Palestine and the Convergence of Anti-Capitalist Struggles. As of Saturday, these organizations had not replied to inquiries regarding the event.

This weekend, delegates from NATO member and partner nations gathered in Montreal to deliberate on several issues, including support for Ukraine, climate change, and the alliance’s future.

In a press conference at the Halifax International Security Forum, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and Defense Minister Bill Blair denounced the actions of the protesters as totally unacceptable.

Joly stated, “What we observed was not a peaceful protest. What unfolded was an expression of violence, hatred, and antisemitism; this has no place on our streets.”

She emphasized the belief in free speech and the right to demonstrate, but added, “the line is drawn at violence.”

Blair further remarked that the protest deviated entirely from lawful and peaceful dissent. He labeled the demonstration as an act of “anarchy” executed by a “mob.”

“It was a display of violence and hatred in the City of Montreal,” Blair asserted. “Such behavior is intolerable and must be condemned, especially the antisemitism and hatred that was evident.”

A police representative, Manuel Couture, mentioned that the crowd had been thoroughly dispersed by Friday evening.