Thousands of people took to the streets of Geneva on Sunday, 14 June ahead of this week's G7 summit in neighbouring France, but a largely peaceful demonstration later descended into clashes with police.
Around 20,000 protesters joined the march to voice opposition to what they described as the concentration of political and economic power in the hands of a small group of wealthy nations.
As tensions rose, some demonstrators set fire to a parked Tesla vehicle and smashed windows at a United Nations agency building. Police responded by firing teargas to disperse crowds.
Reuters witnesses said protesters tore bricks from the ground and threw them at officers, while clouds of teargas drifted through Geneva's city centre. Children were seen crying as families tried to move away from the unrest.
Many of those attending said they wanted to challenge what they see as growing inequality and the influence of powerful political and business figures.
"To me, it's a meeting of the rich that shows once again how the rich can become even richer while the poor are left behind," protester Pippa Saugy said.
The demonstration took place days after Tesla owner Elon Musk, who has served as an adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, became the world's first trillionaire.
Protests have long been a feature of G7 summits, with campaigners using the gatherings to raise concerns about capitalism, globalisation, climate change and social inequality.
Authorities had prepared for possible unrest before the march.
Many businesses in central Geneva boarded up their windows, while hundreds of riot police were deployed across the city.
Some protesters criticised the security operation.
"This is an attempt to frighten demonstrators, to frighten people and discourage them from coming out to protest," said Mattia Piccard.
Others used the demonstration to highlight specific social issues.
"The values represented by the G7 are completely misogynistic, and they contribute to inequality," protester Clélia Colin said.
The unrest came on the eve of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, a French town on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada and the United States will attend, alongside representatives of the European Union.
Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine are expected to dominate discussions. Leaders are also expected to closely watch efforts by President Trump to finalise a framework peace agreement with Iran.
While the summit has yet to begin, Sunday's events in Geneva highlighted the deep frustrations felt by some protesters over the political and economic issues they believe world leaders have failed to address.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last m...
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" swee...
Russia’s fuel shortages are spreading into Central Asia, exposing the region’s heavy reliance on Russian petrol and diesel as governments race to ...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" sweeping through stadiums, city streets and social media.
AnewZ's Daybreak on 10 July covered mounting tensions in the Middle East, political developments in the UK, and major stories from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, alongside key international news.
Ukraine is facing one of the most difficult moments of the war, as a convergence of corruption scandals, political turbulence, financial uncertainty and intensifying Russian offensives places unprecedented strain on the country’s ability to defend itself.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
The Welsh rock singer Bonnie Tyler, best known for the global hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart," has died aged 75 in Portugal.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged China and North Korea to strengthen cooperation and maintain "strategic resolve" amid what he described as growing global instability. He made the remarks during talks with North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing on Friday.
British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former government minister whose death was announced on Friday.
Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Labour leader and prime minister after securing the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs in the first round of leadership nominations.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment