On Saturday, clashes broke out in Paris and other French cities as hundreds of thousands of people protested for the third weekend against the high cost of living. The Paris police headquarters said that several hundred violent protesters attacked security forces with objects, including a Molotov cocktail. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez condemned the “extraordinary” level of violence by some of them.
The prosecutor’s office said on Sunday that “explosive devices were thrown at about 15 gendarmes and police officers”. As a result, an investigation was opened for “attempted murder of persons with public authority”. Dramatic footage, including photos and videos from AFP, showed a homemade incendiary device that exploded at the feet of a security officer in eastern Paris, engulfing the lower part of his body in flames.
Prosecutors said the assessment of the injured was ongoing, adding that the reported injuries include second-degree burns. Initial complaints were expected to be filed on Sunday. The gendarme hit by the Molotov cocktail told French television about the burns he suffered, describing “skin that burns” and a “rain” of projectiles thrown at his unit.
So far, no suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, but investigators are working to identify those responsible. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen called for those responsible for the firebomb attack to be “punished with the utmost severity”, describing the images of the officer in flames as “unbearable”. The Interior Ministry said more than 770 people were arrested during the weekend protests in France. The number of damaged shops was significantly lower than in previous weekends, with around 20 businesses affected; however, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) expressed concern about the impact of the protests on retail sales ahead of the year-end holiday season.
Source: France 24 Live News