From RFI · · 1m 50s
France imposes curfews as rioting subsides but tensions remain
After weekend violence that saw town halls burned and thousands arrested, the French government extends curfews and reclassifies cases as organised crime ahead of planned fresh protests.
In brief
After weekend violence that saw town halls burned and thousands arrested, the French government extends curfews and reclassifies cases as organised crime ahead of planned fresh protests. France imposed new curfews after weekend rioting over school conditions, with 123 people jailed and authorities using facial…
Weekend rioting shakes France
France experienced some of its worst rioting in years on Saturday following weeks of student demonstrations over poor conditions in high schools. Images of clashes and burning public buildings circulated worldwide.
Global travel warnings issued
The violence prompted the United States, China and Germany to issue travel advisories for France. The unrest comes six months before the country is due to elect a successor to President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron acknowledges failures
President Emmanuel Macron, currently touring the Gulf to secure oil and diesel supplies to bring down prices, acknowledged shortcomings in handling the protests but slammed the unbridled violence.
“unbridled”
Curfews imposed across major cities
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced partial curfews in Paris, Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux and Marseille on Monday. Police confirmed the night passed without major incidents. Lecornu said targeted curfews contributed to calm overnight.
“Targeted curfews have contributed to calm overnight”
Arrests and custody extended
More than two thousand five hundred people were taken into police custody across the country since the weekend.
Facial recognition and wiretaps deployed
Reclassifying cases as organised crime allows police custody to extend to seventy two hours.Authorities will use geolocation, wiretaps and facial recognition tools to examine social media and identify perpetrators at looting and town hall attacks.
Fresh protests planned as criticism mounts
Yellow Vest representatives have called for demonstrations on Saturday, October twenty fourth.Criticism spans the political spectrum, with Marine Le Pen calling it a wake-up call and Jean-Luc Mélenchon condemning government incompetence.
What it means
France imposed new curfews after weekend rioting over school conditions, with 123 people jailed and authorities using facial recognition and wiretaps to pursue suspects as fresh protests loom.
