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French police fired tear gas and arrested more than 280 people on Saturday (12) to control the “yellow vest” protests. It was the group’s first manifestation since isolation against the new coronavirus pandemic.
The “yellow vests” movement began in late 2018 against rising fuel prices and the reform of the French economy by President Emmanuel Macron.
For fear of vandalism, the authorities have implemented a reinforced security device, closing some metro stations in Paris and prohibiting access to places such as Champs-Elysées avenue. Some merchants also preferred to protect their windows with sidings.
According to figures released tonight by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, some 8,500 people participated in the protests, including 2,500 in the French capital.
Crowd participates in protest in Paris – Photo: Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt / AFP Photo
For most of the day, the movement was peaceful. But late in the afternoon, groups insisted on leaving the route agreed with the authorities and there was a confrontation.
Cars and garbage cans were set ablaze as protesters clashed with law enforcement, who responded with tear gas canisters.
There are no records of injuries.
Police said 287 people had been detained during the protests, 275 in the capital.
Some of the protesters wore black clothing and carried flags of an anti-fascist movement, indicating the presence of radical “black blocs” at the protest.
