French Police Arrest 135 as Tens of Thousands Protest Across Country
French authorities have arrested 135 people as tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets across the country, despite a heavy police presence and strict security measures. The protests follow last weekend's riots and looting, which saw over 2,700 people arrested and thousands of businesses impacted.
According to reports, police in Paris seized weapons and gas masks in a crackdown on protesters, with the city's police chief assessing intelligence reports to prevent a repeat of last weekend's chaos. The protests, which were initially peaceful, turned violent, with scenes of looting, destruction, and arson reported in several cities, including Lyon and Limoges.
The Yellow Vest movement, which has been organizing the "Act II" protests, has announced that over 700 gatherings were planned across France on Saturday. Protesters have been marching in cities such as Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, with some demonstrations being allowed by authorities.
Student protesters have been speaking out about their demands, with one student saying, "We're not only protesting for our demands towards the state, we're now protesting for our right to protest. It's about our freedom to go out and to express ourselves in our country."
The French government has imposed curfews and closures in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, in an effort to maintain order. The situation remains volatile, with more protests planned and rolling strikes called by unions from next month.
