France opens attempted murder inquiry after petrol bomb hits police officer at protest
French prosecutors have launched an attempted murder investigation after a police officer's leg was set alight by an incendiary device during Saturday's protest in Paris. The youth-led protests, which began in late September, demand action on living costs and public services.
Prosecutors in France have opened an attempted murder investigation after petrol bombs were thrown at police during Saturday's protest in Paris, French media report. A photograph of a police officer with his leg on fire during clashes with demonstrators has caused outrage. It comes after weeks of street protests across the country, in which protesters have also been injured.
What the officer said
The officer serves in the National Gendarmerie, a national law enforcement force that is technically part of the military but answers to the interior ministry. He suffered burns to his ankle and minor hand injuries. He told the newspaper Le Figaro that the device was "particularly sophisticated" and burned far more intensely than a standard Molotov cocktail. The liquid used has not yet been identified.
He said his unit suddenly faced several hundred hostile, well-equipped adversaries who, in his words, were not protesters. According to him, 14 other officers were hurt, from minor to serious injuries, some by paving stones. The unit was meant to be on leave but was urgently recalled to police the weekend demonstrations.
Official response
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said throwing a Molotov cocktail at a police line was a murder attempt, and that officers were working to find those responsible. Police said nobody had yet been arrested over the attack, which was caught on camera.
Hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated across France on Saturday, largely peacefully. The interior ministry reported more than 770 arrests, about half the number from the previous week's protests. Thousands of police were deployed nationwide, and tear gas was used in some cities.
Background to the protests
The demonstrations are youth-led and began in late September, demanding action on the high cost of living and poor public services, especially schools. The Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests), who are among the organisers, say dozens of protesters have been seriously injured, many by "grenades". France suspended one type of stun grenade in early October after a 15-year-old's hand was blown off, but Le Monde has reported police continued using a different model.
Protests also took place in Germany and Italy over the weekend.
