Protesters set Tesla ablaze, smash UN office's windows in Geneva anti-G7 march
Some 20,000 people gathered for a march that was initially peaceful but protesters later targeted what they depicted as symbols of capitalism and multilateralism, including the parked Tesla and the UN office
Geneva police on Sunday fired tear gas at protesters who set fire to a Tesla vehicle and smashed windows at a United Nations agency as they vented their anger at a Group of Seven summit about to take place across the border in France.
Some 20,000 people gathered for a march that was initially peaceful but protesters later targeted what they depicted as symbols of capitalism and multilateralism, including the parked Tesla and the UN office.
Demonstrators ripped bricks from the ground to throw at police, while children cried as tear gas wafted over downtown Geneva's sun-baked streets, Reuters witnesses said.
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Protests have been common at G7 gatherings over the years, with many demonstrators using the summits to decry capitalism, globalisation, climate change and inequality.
Demonstrators said they came to protest against the G7 as a symbol of concentrated political and economic power. Last week Tesla owner Elon Musk, who has worked as an adviser to US President Donald Trump, became the world's first trillionaire.
"To me, it's a meeting of the rich that shows once again how the rich can become even richer while the poor are left behind," said protester Pippa Saugy.
