Amnesty International denounces Quebec police's handling of student protests

Amnesty International's French Canadian branch has asked the Quebec government to call for a toning down of police measures that, it argued, are unduly aggressive and might possibly suppress students' right to free expression. The organization also urges the government to find a peaceful solution to the 11 weeks of sometimes rowdy protests. "Amnesty reaffirms its concern regarding the tuition increases, which would undermine the progression to access to university for all," says the organization. Meanwhile, the leaders of Quebec's university and CÉGEP student federations have called off talks with the government after it refused to include CLASSE in discussions. Education Minister Line Beauchamp expelled CLASSE from the discussion table after she blamed the group for a violent protest Tuesday night in Montreal that resulted in 3 arrests. Canadian Press | Amnesty International News Release (in French) | CBC