G7 Summit in Geneva Protested by 50,000 People – The AIL Also Took Part in the Demonstrations
The founding congress of the Antiimperialist League (AIL) attached particular importance to the G7 protests and began preparations weeks in advance. AIL components arriving from various European countries stood out in the demonstrations with their banners, flags, and relentless energy, accompanied by militant slogans.
The G7 Summit, which began in Évian-les-Bains, was protested by approximately 50,000 people in Geneva on Sunday, June 14. Despite tightened border controls, roadblocks, and numerous attempts to obstruct the mobilization, tens of thousands gathered to denounce the imperialist G7 alliance and to protest against imperialist wars, exploitation, oppression, and massacres.
The demonstration started at Perle du Lac Park. The slogans shouted by the demonstrators, the speeches delivered, and the banners and placards directed against the imperialist-capitalist system of exploitation and oppression, as well as imperialist wars, marked the entire march.
A particularly striking part of the demonstration was the block formed by the Antiimperialist League (AIL). Hundreds of members and supporters of the AIL from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Corsica, Kanaky (New Caledonia), and other regions took part. Marching under AIL flags and those of its affiliated organizations, the block stood out as one of the most visible sections of the demonstration with its slogans, militant stance, and overall energy.
During the demonstration, the following English-language banners were carried: “Anti-Imperialists of the World, Unite! Strengthen the Revolutionary Struggle with the AIL”, “Strengthen Solidarity with the Struggle of the People of India – Comrade Basavaraj is Immortal”, “Stop the Imperialist and Zionist Aggressions against Palestine, Lebanon, Iran and Other Countries”, and “No to the G7 Imperialist Alliance – Dismantle All Imperialist Alliances”.
Throughout the march, slogans were loudly and firmly chanted: “Anti-Imperialists, Unite”, “Greetings to the People’s War in India”, “Lal Salam”, “Our Leader Ibrahim Kaypakkaya”, “Antifascists, Strengthen the Struggle”, “Freedom for Palestine”, “Down with Imperialist Wars”, “Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, Mao – Viva, Viva, Viva”, and “Long Live the AIL”.
During the approximately four-hour march, the police attacked the demonstrators with tear gas. Despite the attacks, the crowd did not retreat and carried their anger against imperialist barbarism into the streets.
Also notable was the support from the population of Geneva. In the summer heat, residents provided water and drinks to the demonstrators and expressed their solidarity through applause.
The Geneva protest, which highlighted the resistance of workers of various nationalities and the struggle of oppressed peoples and nations against massacres and repression, represented a powerful act of resistance against the imperialist system.
Despite police attacks, the crowd continued its resistance and did not leave the streets even after the official end of the demonstration. In the hours that followed, clashes between antifascist groups and the police continued.
Various mass organizations, democratic institutions, and political forces also took part in the demonstration. The international protest, with approximately 50,000 participants, received wide attention on social media and in the press.
