Geneva, Jun 15 (V7N)- Violent clashes broke out between riot police and anti-capitalist demonstrators in Geneva on Sunday (June 14) as thousands took to the streets to protest the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit. Protesters condemned the high-profile gathering—set to begin across the border in Évian-les-Bains, France on Monday—as a symbol of capitalism, monopoly power, and imperialism.

What began as a peaceful rally through the streets of Geneva quickly escalated into chaos. Thousands of activists holding anti-capitalist posters, placards, and banners marched through designated routes. However, as the procession advanced, riot police blocked their path, sparking intense standoffs.

The situation deteriorated rapidly when some splinter groups, including masked "Black Bloc" militants, began tearing down security barriers, torching a vehicle, and smashing the windows of local businesses. At one point, angry crowds targeted the United Nations building, pelting it with bricks and stones. Swiss law enforcement responded aggressively, firing tear gas, deploying water cannons, and using batons to disperse the crowd and regain control of the streets.

The G7 alliance originated from an informal gathering of the world's richest economies following the global oil and economic crises of 1973. France is currently hosting the 52nd annual summit, bringing together leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union.

Because Geneva serves as a major transit hub for arriving international delegations, local authorities have remained on high alert. The region carries bitter memories of the 2003 Evian G8 summit, which caused widespread vandalism and millions of dollars in property damage across Geneva.

Determined to avoid a repeat of that historical unrest, Swiss and French authorities have deployed thousands of security personnel. As part of these strict security measures, only 7 out of the 35 roadway border crossings between Switzerland and France have been kept open, heavily restricting movement around the summit zone.

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