October Crisis: 50 years after a bloody spasm that nearly tore Canada apart

A campaign by Quebec separatists culminated in two kidnappings, a killing and the suspension of civil liberties

Tanks rumbled down Montreal streets. Soldiers stood guard in Quebec City. After the declaration of martial law, police conducted warrantless raids, detaining nearly 500 people. Two high-profile kidnappings - of a British diplomat and a senior politician - ended with a grisly murder.

For a brief period in October 1970, Canada was gripped by fear as separatists in the province of Quebec dramatically escalated their battle for independence.