Protesters Shut Down Major Weapons Convention in Ottawa, Highlighting Tech's Role in Conflict

On May 27th, 2025, hundreds of protesters disrupted CANSEC, North America's largest weapons convention, in Ottawa, Canada. The demonstration, organized by groups including No Azure for Apartheid, aimed to highlight the role of technology companies, such as Microsoft, in supplying the Israeli military. Protesters blocked access to the convention center, chanting slogans like "Shut down CANSEC!" and "Microsoft, you can't hide! You make tech for genocide!" The Ottawa Police responded by arresting over 13 individuals, including media personnel and a No Azure for Apartheid organizer. One protester stated, "We won't stand by while technology is used to fuel conflict and oppression." The protest underscores growing concerns about the ethical implications of technology in warfare and the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The event serves as a powerful symbol of resistance against the arms trade and the use of technology in human rights violations.