Protests in France turn into unrest: nearly 1,000 detained
French police detained almost 1,000 people during nationwide demonstrations on Saturday, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has said. Clashes with police broke out in several cities, and two people were seriously injured.
Almost 1,000 people were detained in France on Saturday during protests across the country, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has announced. Demonstrations took place nationwide, and in several cities clashes broke out between protesters and police. The events have become one of the largest recent expressions of public discontent in France.
Detentions rose sharply
Around midday the number of detainees stood at 135, but as the protests continued it climbed considerably. The minister warned that the figure could still rise as the situation is tallied after the widespread demonstrations.
Turnout
According to French Interior Ministry estimates, about 410,000 people took part in the protests nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris. Trade unions say the actual turnout was significantly higher.
Clashes and injuries
Many marches passed peacefully, but clashes with police occurred in several cities. The minister reported two seriously injured people, in Clermont-Ferrand and Toulouse.
In Paris, police closely monitored the movement of demonstrators. At the end of the march near Porte de Vincennes, unrest broke out, and officers used tear gas and water cannon to contain the more aggressive participants.
The source text does not specify the reasons for the protests.
