Geneva G7 protests descend into clashes between police and demonstrators

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1336 EAT on Monday 15 June 2026

Police in Geneva fired tear gas and deployed water cannon after parts of a largely peaceful demonstration against the G7 summit in nearby Evian, France, descended into clashes.

Around 20,000 people took to the streets of the Swiss city on Sunday to protest the gathering of leaders from the world’s wealthiest democracies, which begins on Monday in the French lakeside resort town across Lake Geneva.

Authorities had approved a protest route away from Geneva’s luxury shopping district in central areas, aiming to prevent a repeat of the unrest that marred the city during the 2003 G8 summit.

Most demonstrators marched peacefully under a scorching sun, carrying Palestinian flags and climate banners while chanting slogans against capitalism and Western military alliances.

Protesters carried placards reading, “No to the G7 and all imperialist alliances” and “Abort the G7”.

“I’m here because I don’t accept that this small group of leaders makes decisions that affect all of us,” said Michel, a 69-year-old Swiss retiree who was carrying a Palestinian flag.

Tensions escalated when groups of black-clad protesters broke away from the main march, smashing barriers, attacking high-end residential buildings and setting cars on fire. A Tesla vehicle was seen burning with the words “Eat the Rich” sprayed on its side, while properties near the European headquarters of the United Nations were also damaged.

Police said about 600 “Black Bloc” activists were involved in the violence.

The summit — one of the first major international gatherings since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran in February — is expected to focus on efforts to end that conflict, as well as Russia’s war in Ukraine.

-Aljazeera

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