Paris:Nearly 1,000 people were arrested in France during mass protests on Saturday, marking the second consecutive weekend of widespread demonstrations. The protests were characterized by clashes with police, looting, and vandalism across various cities.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed the arrest figures, highlighting the scale of unrest that has gripped the nation. In Nantes, the Loire-Atlantique prefecture reported incidents of looting, with six arrests made.
In Grenoble, around 400 masked individuals dressed in black bloc clothing engaged in violent activities, including attacks on police with mortars and projectiles. The demonstration was organized by the CGT trade union and the Yellow Vest movement. Authorities responded by attempting to apprehend those involved and restore order.
In Bordeaux, the Gironde prefecture reported hostile groups targeting security forces. The authorities urged residents to avoid Place de la Bourse due to the setting up of barricades. Meanwhile, Lille experienced heightened tensions as projectiles were thrown at riot police, leading to the use of water cannons by law enforcement.
The Nord prefecture estimated that 15,000 people participated in the Lille demonstration, with 30 arrests reported by 3 pm local time. Police seized various weapons, including hunting knives and airsoft guns. Curfews for unaccompanied minors were extended and expanded to additional areas in response to the unrest.
In Nice, the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture reported the arrest of 11 far-right individuals following an attack on demonstrators. By 7 pm local time, police had made 61 arrests as demonstrators were dispersed from the Old Town.
In Paris, an estimated 110,000 people joined the protests, with police using water cannons and reporting 65 arrests. Marseille also saw significant participation, with the CGT trade union estimating 100,000 demonstrators, although the prefecture reported 17,000. Tensions in the city led to the use of tear gas by police.
Other cities such as Rennes, Lyon, Chambery, and Orleans also experienced demonstrations and clashes. In Lyon, the Rhone prefecture recorded 36 arrests and 22 injuries. No demonstrations were authorized in the city, yet many gathered unlawfully.
The authorities reported various incidents across the country, including arrests linked to the National Rally congress in Orleans and tensions in Seine-Maritime. Nunez noted that two individuals were seriously injured during the protests, and police faced attacks from groups throwing projectiles and firing mortars.