A busy day at the Finch Avenue courthouse was off to quick start: By 10:45am, at least 20 people saw their G20-related charges dropped.
More than 300 people were scheduled to appear Monday. Three courtrooms were used to process the 303 cases.
Family and other supporters were on hand as the first few cases went through. Many people saw their charges put over until October 14, while at least 20 other cases were dismissed.
Det. Sgt. Gary Giroux said it would be one of the largest court appearances Toronto has ever seen.
One woman who has friends on trial has said the charges should be dropped. Speaking through the Toronto Community Solidarity Network (TCSN), Jessica Denyer said the prosecution should end.
"“It is likely that many people's charges will be dropped today or in the months to follow. It's time for the police and the courts to step up and end all the prosecution, drop all the charges,” Denyer outlined.
"The people who are facing serious charges ... were on the streets demanding safe and affordable housing, workers rights, environmental justice, and an end to war and occupation,” Maryam Adrangi of TCSN argued.
"Their arrests and ongoing prosecution is an attack on people’s freedom to organize and create change," she added.
Those appearing Monday are charged with a variety of offences stemming from the summit, where several people dressed in black broke off from a peaceful protest and smashed store windows and torched at least five police cars.
The majority of people appearing Monday were arrested at a protest at the Ontario legislature on June 26, Giroux said.
A group of alleged ringleaders who are charged with conspiracy to assault and obstruct police will also appear.
Police say the group also includes about 20 others arrested after police released photos of their "most wanted" suspects.
With files from The Canadian Press.