Paris Protests Turn Violent: 70,000 March, Molotov Cocktails Thrown at Police
Demonstrations across France saw clashes erupt in Paris, with injured officers and burned flags in other cities.
Violent confrontations occurred across France on Saturday evening, as protests that drew at least 70,000 people in Paris escalated. In the French capital, rioters directed what appeared to be Molotov cocktails at police officers, injuring several, while in Lyon, American and Israeli flags were set ablaze.
The clashes in Paris intensified after the main march reached its designated end point. Police attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas, prompting protesters to respond by throwing projectiles. The incidents near Porte de Charenton led to officers being injured and forced to retreat, according to Flash Info.
In Lyon, demonstrators burned U.S. and Israeli flags atop a tram shelter as the march proceeded, reported Actu Lyon. Meanwhile, in Bordeaux, a pinata resembling French President Emmanuel Macron was reportedly struck with a sword amid cheers from the crowd, according to Frontieres.
