The Quebec Civil Liberties Union is demanding a public inquiry into a confrontation between Algerians from Montreal and Ottawa police this past week.

"There is no justification we can see for using these electric stunning devices while the demonstrators were not representing any threat," said Martine Eloy.

A police spokesperson, Staff Sgt. Monique Ackland, said they tried negotiating with the demonstrators for several hours, but it went nowhere.

An Algerian man shows some of his scars from being tasered

"The situation called for something like that. The decision was made to use the taser gun and that is what happened."

If the demonstrators feel excessive force was used, they are free to file a complaint with police, she said.

Amnesty International has also condemned the police actions and wants a public inquiry.