More than a hundred protesters calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas broke into the Saskatchewan Legislative Building on Monday.
The legislative assembly had to be adjourned due to the screams of demonstrators who had sat down in the stands open to the public.
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Security forces had to be called in to remove protesters from the legislative assembly.
After the evacuation, the demonstrators went to the security staff’s office to collect their ID cards, which they had to present to enter the parliament building. Meanwhile, the demonstration continued inside the building.
We came here to see what the government is talking about [à l’Assemblée législative]explains Mohammad Abushar, one of the demonstrators. And it’s really sad: [les députés] Talk about superficial things while people are suffering and dying in Palestine.
These people don’t talk about it at all! It’s like it doesn’t exist!
Mohamad Abushar wants the Government of Saskatchewan to pass a motion calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. According to him, such a political gesture by the provinces would put pressure on the federal government, so Ottawa would in turn call for a ceasefire.
According to organizers, more than 300 people took part in the protests.
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Some of the demonstrators carried Palestinian flags.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Raphaële Frigon
After the protesters were evacuated, opposition leader Carla Beck searched for words to describe the events that had just occurred.
“I understand that emotions are running high, but adjourning the legislative assembly is not usual,” she admitted during a press briefing.
The leader of the New Democratic Party of Saskatchewan reiterated her party’s call for the release of all hostages and the establishment of a ceasefire so that humanitarian aid can reach the people of Gaza.
The Saskatchewan government, for its part, declined to comment on the protests.
In a press release sent out Monday morning, organizers of the demonstration said they wanted to denounce the Government of Saskatchewan’s support for Israel.
Scott Moe has unconditionally supported Israel, but residents of this province do not support the bombing of hospitals and schools, organizers write.
With information from Raphaële Frigon