Police in Paris used tear gas and stun grenades on Sunday to break up an attempted new protest, one day after nationwide rallies descended into widespread chaos and looting.
Agency journalists said several hundred people had gathered at the Republique square after calls spread on social media. The square is a regular protest site and was the scene of widespread looting on Saturday, when 855 arrests were made in Paris.
Police move against unauthorised gathering at Republique
The Paris prefecture said the demonstration had not been approved. Officers “carried out checks” and “put a security arrangement in place” so they could act quickly if necessary.
When the first signs of tension appeared, officers moved in to disperse the crowd and make arrests, the prefecture added.
Clashes and arrests as crowd regroups in square
Television images showed tear gas being fired once to clear the rally, but protesters returned. AFP journalists said bottles and rocks were thrown at security forces, who responded with more tear gas and stun grenades.
Police eventually charged the crowd to break it up, and several arrests were made.
Protesters cite cost of living at statue
Demonstrators placed banners around the statue at the heart of the square, complaining about the cost of living. Many were dressed in black and some wore masks.
