France will introduce fresh curfews in areas where authorities consider them necessary following violent protests and looting in several cities…reports Asian Lite News Desk
France will impose fresh curfews in areas where authorities consider them necessary, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has said, following violent protests and looting in several cities. Lecornu said targeted restrictions introduced on Monday night had helped maintain calm, while local authorities would decide where further measures were required.
“Targeted curfews have contributed to the calm of this night. I thank the police officers and gendarmes who ensured their enforcement, as well as the prefects for their mobilisation. Tonight, new curfews will be decided where the situation requires it. These decisions will be made on the ground, by the prefects, in coordination with the mayors,” Lecornu posted on X.
Curfews were introduced in several locations across France after violence and looting during protests over the weekend. The measures varied by location, with some applying to specific areas and others targeting unaccompanied minors.
In Paris, curfews remained in force from 11 pm on Monday until 6 am on Tuesday in two areas affected by looting: Place de la République in the centre-east of the capital and the Châtelet-Les Halles district. Authorities also prohibited gatherings in the two areas from 8 pm on Monday, France 24 reported.
In Lyon, authorities imposed a curfew in the city centre after a tourist office was set on fire during protests on Saturday. A separate ban on public gatherings was introduced in parts of the city from 6 pm on Monday.
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In Nice, a curfew was imposed from 9 pm on Monday until 6 am on Tuesday, applying only to unaccompanied minors, according to France 24.
Similar restrictions targeting unaccompanied minors were introduced in Lille and the towns of Douai, Wattignies and Denain. The measures ran from 8 pm on Monday until 6 am on Tuesday and applied only to designated areas.
More than 2,000 arrested after violent protests
French authorities reported widespread unrest during demonstrations on Saturday, with violence breaking out between police and protesters in Paris and other parts of the country.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Sunday that more than 2,000 people had been arrested in connection with the protests.
The demonstrations were held as part of nationwide marches against rising inflation. Violence accompanied the gatherings in several locations, with protesters setting fire to buildings and other sites, while looters broke into dozens of shops and removed goods.
The latest restrictions reflect efforts by national and local authorities to contain further unrest and prevent additional incidents of looting.
Lecornu said decisions on new curfews would be taken locally by prefects in coordination with mayors, allowing restrictions to be introduced in areas where officials consider them necessary.
