Get you up to speed: Dramatic pictures show curfews in Paris after France witnesses the worst rioting in years | News World
Widespread protests across France have resulted in significant damage, including the burning of buildings and attacks on landmarks in cities like Paris and Lyon. French police are preparing for potential further unrest, particularly ahead of the upcoming European Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
French authorities have deployed approximately 5,000 riot police, along with armoured cars and water cannons, to maintain order in Paris ahead of the Champions League match. The Interior Ministry has acknowledged challenges in controlling the unrest that has persisted over nearly five weeks, citing difficulties in managing simultaneous protests across major cities.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, stating, “Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it,” following extensive damage in cities like Limoges and Lyon. In response to ongoing unrest, officials are considering a curfew around Parc des Princes ahead of the upcoming Champions League match, with up to 5,000 riot police expected to be deployed to maintain order.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed how many people were injured or taken into custody during the recent protests.
Curfews imposed in Paris as France faces significant unrest and rioting
The chaos has calmed down a bit because of new curfews (Picture: Reuters)
Police in France are bracing for more rioting today after widespread curfews appeared to stem the massive protests last night.
Paris and Marseille remained ‘calm’ overnight, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said, citing the new curfews.
But photos today show the extensive damage across cities in France, where buildings have burned and statues have been destroyed.
There are fears that tonight’s European Champions League tie match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona could trigger more unrest.
Officials are considering introducing a curfew around Parc des Princes ahead of the match.
Iconic landmarks have been locked down for security reasons (Picture: Reuters)
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Buildings have burned and been trashed by rioters (Picture: AFP)
If not, a ring of steel will include around 5000 riot police on duty around Paris, and the deployment of armoured cars and water cannons.
An Interior Ministry source said: ‘This is a hugely sensitive time, with violence likely to break out at any time, especially when large crowds gather.
‘Thousands of extra officers will be on duty for the game, and they will include special forces officers.’
Over the weekend, French President Emmanuel Macron blamed ‘agitators from far-Left fringe groups, joined by numerous criminals’ for plunging his country into ‘unbridled violence.’
The head of state made an impassioned plea ‘for unity’ following chaos involving up to a half-a-million protesters.
Mr Macron said: ‘Businesses have been looted, while public buildings, shops, and town halls have been attacked. Looking at these images, we have all asked ourselves how French people could do this to France.’
Cities across France are facing unrest (Picture: Backgrid)
Limoges city hall was burned to the ground during the riots (Picture: AFP)
He said he was particularly upset at Limoges City Hall being burnt, along with a tourist office in Lyon.
And he said the sacking of Marseille city hall, and an attack on the Prefect’s Residence in Bordeaux should never be repeated.
‘Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it,’ said Mr Macron.
French police have already admitted that they ‘lost control’ of major cities during a weekend of ‘apocalyptic rioting’.
‘It was apocalyptic,’ said a high-ranking officer. ‘Law enforcement was unable to contain the multitude of simultaneous attacks occurring across the country, and was quickly overwhelmed by determined protesters.’
There have been almost five weeks of protests by school and university students against France’s crumbling education system.
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