France Deploys 70,000 Police Amid Fears of Violent Protests
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
France is deploying 70,000 police officers to prevent widespread riots during large student protests expected across the country. Businesses are boarding up stores amid fears of looting and vandalism, which caused hundreds of millions of euros in damages last week. Counter-protests are also anticipated, and authorities are preparing for a forceful response to maintain order. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens to avoid protest areas.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- France is deploying 70,000 police officers to manage anticipated large-scale protests and prevent riots.
- Businesses across France are boarding up shops due to fears of looting and vandalism.
- Last week's protests resulted in damage to 2,241 businesses, costing hundreds of millions of euros.
- Some business owners are reportedly considering arming themselves to protect their property.
- The Israeli Foreign Ministry has issued travel advisories for citizens in France.
- Counter-protests are expected, including some organized by far-right youth.
France is bracing for a night of potential unrest as large-scale student protests are expected across major cities. The French police will deploy 70,000 officers nationwide to prevent demonstrations from escalating into the violent riots seen a week prior. Social media has shown businesses and even municipal buildings being boarded up in anticipation of the events. Alain Di Crescenzo, president of the Network of Chambers of Commerce in France, reported that last Saturday, 2,241 businesses suffered damage from vandalism and looting, with total damages amounting to hundreds of millions of euros. Crescenzo warned that some business owners might arm themselves to protect their establishments, citing baseball bats and hunting rifles, and expressed intentions to confront rioters. He urged business owners to secure their shops and allow police to handle the situation.
Unlike previous weeks, counter-protests against the far-left and rioters are also anticipated, some of which are unauthorized and organized by far-right youth. In Paris, the route for the authorized demonstration was altered at the last minute by police, a decision criticized by the student coalition leading the protests. The Paris City Hall announced the closure of 24 metro stations from Saturday morning through Sunday.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry advised citizens to avoid protest areas, stay clear of conflict zones, prepare for public transport disruptions and road closures, and stay updated via media. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that the police are prepared for a forceful response with zero tolerance for disorder, noting calls from the far-left to attack public buildings.
Mentioned
