Demonstrators denounce G7 amid escalating clashes, which lead to damaged buildings and burning cars.
Demonstrators take part in a rally in Geneva on June 14, 2026, of the "No G7" coalition of more than 60 associations, unions and left-wing groups "against fascism and imperialism" a day before the start of the G7 summit. [Gabriel Monnet/AFP]
By AFP
and
AP
Published On 15 Jun 2026
Police in Geneva have fired tear gas and used water cannon after parts of a largely peaceful demonstration against the G7 summit in nearby Evian, France, descended into clashes.
About 20,000 people took to the streets of the Swiss city on Sunday to denounce the gathering of leaders from the world’s richest democracies, which opens on Monday across Lake Geneva in the French spa town.
Authorities had authorised a march on a route far from the luxury shops of central Geneva, hoping to avoid a repeat of the riots that scarred the city during the 2003 G8 summit.
Most demonstrators marched calmly under a blazing sun, waving Palestinian flags and climate banners and chanting against capitalism and Western military alliances. Placards read, “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 carrying a Palestinian flag.
Tensions spiked when groups of black-clad protesters broke away from the main march, smashing barriers, attacking upmarket apartment blocks and setting cars on fire. A Tesla vehicle was seen burning with the slogan “Eat the Rich” sprayed on its side while buildings near the European headquarters of the United Nations were damaged.
Police said about 600 “Black Bloc” activists were involved in the violence.
The summit – one of the first major international meetings since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran in February – is expected to be dominated by efforts to halt that conflict and by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Evian on Sunday to host US President Donald Trump and other G7 leaders as thousands of Swiss and French security personnel were deployed around the lake region.
A fire burns in a Geneva street during the "No G7" demonstration. [Baz Ratner/AP Photo]
Thousands of protesters rallied in Geneva before this week’s G7 summit, which is to bring together the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and US in nearby Evian, France. [Fabrice Coffrini/AFP]
Riot police fire tear gas and also deployed water cannon in clashes with stone-throwing young people during a protest on June 14, 2026, in Geneva. [Baz Ratner/AP Photo]
The demonstration was led by the “No G7” coalition of more than 60 associations and groups, including Palestinian rights advocates, feminist activists and environmentalists. [Baz Ratner/AP Photo]
A protester recovers from tear gas during the "No G7" demonstration. [Baz Ratner/AP Photo]
A violent standoff extended into the evening after a series of incidents, including a car set ablaze and a bank's windows smashed, along the route of an afternoon march that drew an estimated 20,000 people. [Baz Ratner/AP Photo]
Activist groups take part in a peaceful demonstration after weeks of negotiations with local authorities. [Gabriel Monnet/AFP]
The 2026 G7 summit is scheduled June 15-17 in the French town of Evian-les-Bains near the border with Switzerland. The leaders of the G7 members will attend along with the EU's foreign policy chief and ministers from Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and Turkiye. [Fabrice Coffrini/AFP]
A Tesla car burns during the "No-G7" rally. [Fabrice Coffrini/AFP]
Read the full article at Al Jazeera English →📄Source document: AFP
3 reports
Al Jazeera EnglishState / PublicLeft6 days agoThousands of protesters gathered in Geneva on June 14, 2026, to oppose the upcoming G7 summit, with some demonstrations turning violent. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons as clashes erupted, resulting in property damage and burned vehicles. The protests were organized by the 'No G7' coalition, comprising over 60 groups critical of 'fascism and imperialism.' Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and criticized capitalism and Western military alliances.
Bias read (Left): The article emphasizes the anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist rhetoric of the protesters, highlights their criticism of Western military alliances, and includes quotes from participants who frame the G7 as an undemocratic institution making decisions that affect global populations. The focus on 'fasc
Official sources cited
- press release AFP
- press release AP
Al Jazeera EnglishState / PublicLeft7 days ago Violence erupts during anti-G7 protests in Geneva on eve of summitPolice in Geneva used tear gas and water cannons to disperse anti-G7 protesters as demonstrations organized by the 'No-G7' group turned violent on the eve of the G7 summit. The summit is set to take place in Evian-les-Bains, France, from June 15 to 17, following the U.S. and Israel's military actions against Iran in late February.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the protests as 'anti-G7,' which aligns with left-leaning critiques of Western economic and political power structures. It also references the U.S. and Israel's actions against Iran without providing counter-narratives or balanced perspectives, suggesting an emphasis on conflict起源
Official sources cited
- government Geneva Police Department
Al Jazeera EnglishState / PublicCenter7 days ago Is the G7 still relevant?The G7 summit is taking place in France amid shifting global politics, including the ongoing Iran war and tensions between the U.S. and other member states over coordination. The summit will address challenges such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, supply chain disruptions, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and economic relations with China. Experts are being interviewed to discuss whether the G7 remains relevant in today's geopolitical landscape.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral overview of the G7 summit without overtly favoring any political perspective. It outlines the topics to be discussed and mentions experts who will provide analysis but does not take a stance on the relevance of the G7 or the actions of specific countries.
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