WATCH police crack down on ‘Freedom Convoy’ protesters — Analysis
French police fired tear gas on Saturday to disperse ‘Freedom Convoy’ protesters on Champs-Elysees avenue amid a Canada-style demonstration against Covid restrictions.
The Canadian truckers, who were able to disrupt central parts of major cities and paralyze traffic at the US frontier while also preventing trade from the USA, inspired the Paris protests.
Participants in the French protests voiced their frustration with Covid passes, and other restrictive pandemic-related measures.
Despite a massive police presence – a three-day security operation has involved more than 7,200 officers – some of the 3,000 vehicles carrying the protesters managed to get to the famous Champs-Elysees avenue and subsequently block traffic in the Arc de Triomphe area.
“It will not be allowed to block.” Paris police said, announcing its “Intervention” in the “Champs-Elysees arrondissement,” aimed at “Disperse participants from the proscribed demonstration”
Tear gas has also been used in other parts of France’s capital, and a number of cars were evacuated.
The outcome of the eventful day was summarized by the country’s Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin.
“Thanks to all the police officers and gendarmes that were mobilized across France and Paris this weekend for ensuring order and freedom in traffic.,” he wrote on Twitter, adding that in Paris 337 people have been fined and 54 arrested.
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Police intercept ‘Freedom Convoy’ headed for Paris
Saturday evening has also been marked with the announcement that France’s Council of State has supported the ban of ‘freedom convoys’.
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