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French police arrest 855 people in Paris as protests, violence erupt across country
CBS News • • world
Key Points:
- French police detained a record 855 people on Saturday amid nationwide protests against rising living costs and in support of high school students, with violent clashes occurring in Paris and other cities.
- Protesters revived the "yellow vest" movement, expressing anger over spiking gasoline, energy, and food prices, leading to cars set on fire, looting, and assaults on officers.
- Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent demonstrators throwing fireworks and paving stones, while many peaceful protesters marched chanting the national anthem.
- Significant violence and property damage occurred in cities including Lyon, Limoges, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse, Montpellier, and Grenoble, with fires set in public buildings and shops looted.
- The protests follow weeks of student-led school blockades and have drawn support from major labor unions and political figures like Jean-Luc Mélenchon, amid growing concerns over police tactics after serious injuries to teenagers.
