France imposes third curfew in Paris in attempt to curb violence attributed to far left, as it prepares for new protests Saturday
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a "massive" police deployment to prevent further unrest, acknowledging that last weekend's security measures had been "too static and not mobile enough."
French authorities imposed a curfew on Wednesday in certain neighborhoods of Paris for the third consecutive night, as the country prepares for another day of demonstrations this coming Saturday, which the government fears could lead to further unrest attributed to the far left.
The curfew: Areas and hours
Following the serious riots last weekend, the Paris Police Prefecture imposed restrictions on movement and assembly in several parts of the capital.
In accordance with the decrees signed by the police prefect and the instructions from Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Interior Minister Laurent Núñez, a nighttime curfew was established prohibiting the presence and movement of adults and minors in Place de la République and a defined perimeter around the Les Halles commercial district. The measure is in effect from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Residents, workers and merchants who can prove their need for access are exempt.
At the same time, the prefecture has banned undeclared gatherings, marches and demonstrations from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day in broader strategic areas, including the Champs-Élysées, the areas surrounding sensitive institutional sites, and several train stations.
New protests on Saturday: Government prepares
France is preparing for another day of demonstrations this coming Saturday, called for by the Yellow Vests movement and high school students, amid the government's fear that the violent unrest of the weekend will be repeated.
Sébastien Lecornu announced a "massive" police deployment to prevent further unrest, acknowledging that last weekend's deployment had been "too static and not mobile enough."
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that the upcoming police operation will include more officers and announced a review of resources and procedures for responding to riots.
Origin of the protests
According to a report from Le Figaro citing the Intelligence Directorate of the Paris Police Prefecture, "The origins of the movement clearly lie in the manipulation of student union structures and political movements close to the far left."
Sébastien Lecornu is convinced of this: "La France Insoumise (LFI) and its far-left proxies" are "at the root of the movement" that has led to "urban violence," he stated in early October from Matignon.
LFI MEP Manon Aubry has adopted a confrontational stance toward law enforcement, accusing the police of "maiming" protesters and calling the interior minister "the maimer."
🛠 Do you think there is an error in this article?
Recommendations
LATEST
