Montreal Protesters Challenge Arrests, Free Speech at Stake

0:00It's April 14th. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Calvary News today. Local news powered by AI. In Montreal, 14 pro-Palestinian protestors are a municipal core challenging mischief charges from their April 2024 sit-in. Outside a Scotia bank branch, they were demanding the bank cut ties with Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons maker. Out of 44 arrested by police, charges got dropped for 30, leaving these folks still in the fight. The group blocked the entrance peacefully, but cops moved in quick. Their lawyer argues the arrests were straight up unlawful, with no rights read and heavy-handed tactics that shut down a legit demo. Lawyers say this stomped on rights to protest, assemble, and speak freely. They're pushing a motion to halt the charges for good, stressing sit-ins like this aren't crimes under the law. Meanwhile, Scotia bank's investment arm, 1832 asset management, has dumped his last shares in Elbit, per regulatory docs.

1:01As the charter challenge heats up, eyes are on whether the court sides with free expression or backs the arrests, could set a big precedent for street, actions ahead.