Protesters set Tesla ablaze, damage UN building in Geneva

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Geneva: Thousands of protesters marched through Geneva on Sunday ahead of the G7 conference in neighbouring France, but the mostly peaceful protest devolved into violence when some protesters set fire to a Tesla vehicle and damaged windows at a UN office. As fights broke out in the city centre, Swiss police reacted with tear gas.

According to organisers, over 20,000 people attended the anti-G7 march to oppose what they see as the G7 nations' concentrated political and economic power. Protesters voiced concerns about inequality, climate change, militarism, and global governance, with some targeting symbols of capitalism and multilateral organisations.

Tear gas was used, said police, when demonstrators tore up paving stones and threw objects at them. Citing violent protests associated with previous G7 meetings, businesses in Geneva have locked up shops in fear of violence.

Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as international economic and security concerns, are expected to be the main topics of discussion at the G7 summit, which will take place in Évian-les-Bains, France, from June 15 to 17. Both sides of the French-Swiss border have strict security measures in place.