A Global News reporter was asked to move by a police officer as she was covering the protests opposing the G7 Summit; he alleged she was “intimidating” him.
Friday morning, Global reporter Raquel Fletcher and videojournalist Jean-Vincent Verville were positioned near the G7 protests.
READ MORE: Quebec City G7 protests get underway with a flash and a bang
WATCH: People march in protest of G7 summit in Quebec
As she began to answer, the officer, dressed in riot gear complete with a gas mask, a shield and an automatic rifle, leaned in to tell her, “You’re intimidating me.”
READ MORE: In Quebec, caution — but little fear — as city and shop owners prepare for night of G7 protests
“We’re not intimidating you,” Verville can be heard saying multiple times, as the cops start gesturing for them to move.
“Let’s go, let’s move,” several cops insisted, physically moving the team and their bodyguard.
“We’re on the sidewalk, why can’t we stay here?” Fletcher asked, before exclaiming, “Hey, stop,” as the officer grabbed her arm.
The bodyguard escorted her away as the officers continued to approach them, getting closer and closer.
WATCH: G7 protesters intend to slow down summit by blocking leader motorcades
“Move back, move back, thank you,” they can be heard saying.
“We’re not protesters,” Verville argued.
“You just have to go back to where the other journalists are,” one officer said.
READ MORE: Here are 4 potential areas for conflict (other than steel tariffs) at the G7 Summit
Fletcher can be heard talking to the show’s producer. “We’re live in 90 seconds,” she said, as the officers finally dispersed.
Protests all weekend
Friday is expected to be a day of unrest in Quebec City, with at least three other demonstrations anticipated against the G7 Summit.
WATCH: Shop owners in Quebec City prepare for protests ahead of the G7 Summit
The biggest demonstration of the day is expected to start at 3 p.m. just outside the National Assembly.
READ MORE: Police in Quebec prepared for G7 protests
There is concern among city officials that the demonstration could turn violent.
World leaders from the seven most industrialized countries are in Quebec City for the 44th G7 Summit.
The forum brings together seven countries — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States — that have the largest advanced economies in the world, representing more than 62% of the globe’s net wealth.
READ MORE: ‘Prepared for war’: How anarchists protesting the G7 get ready
Most of the delegations will be staying in Quebec City, but the leaders and their immediate delegations will be in the Charlevoix region, where the summit is taking place Friday and Saturday.
WATCH BELOW: Counter-protesters clash with police in Quebec City
rachel.lau@globalnews.ca
Follow @rachel_lau