Montreal Student Riots, Quebec's Speech-Killing Bill 78, & Something Called the "Anarchopanda"

The city of Montreal has been in turmoil for much of 2012, following massive student demonstrations in opposition to a government-imposed hike on university tuitions.

While mostly peaceful, some demonstrators resorted to vandalism and blocked access to bridges and schools. Protesters were also met with violence from riot police, and accusations of brutality became a nightly occurrence.

Desperate to restore order, the Liberal provincial government of Quebec passed the emergency law Bill 78, which has effectively ended the larger protests. Hailed as a pragmatic solution by supporters who say it has rescued the city from anarchy, critics such as the United Nations' Human Rights Council have condemned Bill 78 as an egregious violation of free expression.

The upheaval caused by the protests and the government's heavy-handed reactions to them have divided Quebec society, and produced controversial and memorable figures like the Anarchopanda, a junior college professor dressed in an oversized Panda costume who intervenes between riot police and protestors in the hopes of diffusing potentially violent situations.

ReasonTV went to Montreal to explore this complex and still unresolved conflict, which raises all sorts of fundamental questions about free expression, political dissent, and governmental overreach in the name of restoring order.

About 10.30 minutes.

Produced by Anthony L. Fisher. Camera by Joshua Swain and Fisher.

Music: "The Cuchifritos Groove Instrumental {Wildabeast, 6th Sense, Jelani}" by 6th Sense (http://notherground.blogspot.com)

Go to http://reason.com/reasontv for downloadable versions and subscribe to ReasonTV's YouTube Channel to receive notifications when new material goes live.

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[TomMichaels101]

"TheFremenChick You're an idiot."

Says the idiot who doesn't know how to use the "Reply" button.

[911SMOM .]

I come from Montreal. Students crossed that line last year.

And they should pay for tuition, lower than the rest of Canada, according to what subjects and professions they are studying. Loans should be low and easy to get.

[odeoda1]

yeah that's right I think.... because of the refusal to cooperate the protesters felt the need to force them to listen...then the 78 came in and that caused even more problems because it affect so many more people that may want to speak. im looking at these wars being started fro the outside and then we act like we don't know whats going on -.- they must think people are very stupid to not understand the art of shit disturbing lol.

[Mrsjimmytwoshoes]

TheFremenChick You're an idiot. You can't self teach every course, if you could there wouldn't be colleges or universities einstein

[Masria94]

Ahhhh!!!! good old strike... ruined my r score.

[Andy Jackson]

The United Nations what a joke. The Canadians are handling those dope heads in the proper manner you beat the crap out of them. There wanting free handouts and to suck off society without being contributing members.

[Maxwell Corode]

Under that guys logic, I would be able to protest in his bedroom 2:00 at night.

[TheFremenChick]

You could just find a different way to study! There are alternatives including self-education. Liberal Arts studies doesn't require a professor, just reading skills and a group discussion, for example. You can study for the Professional Engineer's license on your own and get your own study groups together. I learned programming on the job. Higher Education is an illusion and a waste.

[nickdakiller37]

fuck these prick protestors. They disrupted my high school classes buy banging they're fucking pots and pans. FUCKING COMMUNISTS