Nearly 80 Montreal tuition protesters arrested

Almost 80 students protesters were arrested yesterday after storming the Queen Elizabeth Hotel and a downtown shopping centre.

CUTV Program Director Laith Marouf was among the arrested students.

The march began in Victoria Square moving towards the hotel, CBC News reported.

Police say the protesters were flipping tables and smashing dishes when they were called.

After they were force out of the hotel, some demonstrators headed to the Eaton Centre.

Students were chased through the mall by police before entering the metro.

Police made over 70 arrests after they cornered demonstrators at St. Laurent station.

Student protests against tuition hikes have almost become a daily occurrence in Montreal since March.

Protesters say the tuition increase will limit access to Quebec's universities.

Quebec students would be paying an additional $1,600 for University once all increases are implemented.

The government will not budge on the issue despite mounting protests.

They say students will still be paying the among the lowest tuition rates in the country.

Education Minister Line Beauchamp suggested a talk with students about more generous loans and scholarship programs.

Quebec Superior Court also granted an injunction forbidding threats and intimidation against anyone entering campus buildings.

The injunction stands until April 19.