Anarchopanda fights on
Professor Julien Villeneuve: the man behind the mask, explains battle against city bylaw
Anarchopanda fights on
MONTREAL - For months, the true identity of Anarchopanda remained a mystery to Montrealers. Many had seen the popular panda-suited protester take the streets with striking students, but few knew the man behind the mask was actually CEGEP Philosophy professor Julien Villeneuve. He only revealed himself in early June when he took the city of Montreal to court over controversial articles in bylaw P6.
Student groups are separately challenging Quebec's Bill 78, which also restricts public protests and that has drawn the ire of many Quebecers.
Villeneuve’s attempt to have two articles of Montreal's the bylaw restricting protests suspended – one banning masks and another requiring an itinerary – has so far been unsuccessful. Quebec Justice François Rolland ruled the law needs to be debated in its entirety. Villeneuve is now preparing for a second court challenge, set for September. The Gazette caught up with him in an exclusive interview to discuss the controversial restrictions on public protest, his use of panda “anarcho-pacifism” and the police. The following is a partial, edited transcript of the discussion.
Q: What was your reaction to the ruling that came down this week?
A: We really didn’t expect it to (go in our favour), but it was important we tried (and) we’re going to make a decision next week whether to appeal or not. Of course we disagree with (the ruling) so we believe it should be appealed, but it’s a strategic decision ... The real fight is going to happen when we attempt to invalidate P6, which will be about the bill itself, its provisions and whether or not it’s anti-constitutional.
