Pro-Palestinian protesters picket Liberal retreat

Local 514 host Savanna Craig spoke with lawyer and journalist Dimitri Lascaris about the use of disruptive protests to pressure Canadian politicians to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to end military exports to Israel. Lascaris has been instrumental in disruptive protests, not only attending them, but confronting politicians face to face to ask them to demand for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and for Canada to stop sending military exports to Israel, which are often used against Palestinians.

Intercut with the interview are shots of protesters gathered in downtown Montreal on the morning of February 23 outside of the Fairmont Hotel to demand that the Liberal government make tangible action to end Israel's bombardment in Gaza and to end military exports to Israel. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Cabinet Ministers were located inside the hotel for a Liberal retreat and press conference. Local 514 requested to join the press conference but was not provided a response from Trudeau's media team.

Dimitri Lascaris went on to explain why pro-Palestinian activists are using disruptive methods to protest. These protests have been seen across the world in the last few months in support of Gaza. Protesters have blocked traffic, boycotted large corporations, protested outside the homes of politicians, stood in the offices of companies affiliated with Israel and more. The aim is to disrupt normal routines and way of lives as a method to push politicians and decision makers to change their actions.