Paris [France], October 18 (ANI): French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated on Sunday that 1,800 individuals had been taken into custody in the wake of violent protests that caused extensive destruction and looting, noting that investigations were underway to identify the culprits.
Nunez emphasised that there was no justification for assaulting security personnel, targeting state institutions, vandalising public buildings, forcing entry into prefectures or town halls, or ransacking commercial establishments across the nation. He commended the law enforcement officers, gendarmes and emergency response workers who intervened during the demonstrations.
"Manifesting is a fundamental right. Sowing disorder with violence and in a concerted manner is not. Attacking our law enforcement forces, targeting our institutions, degrading public buildings, breaking into prefectures or town halls, looting businesses: nothing can justify it. In the wake of this October 17 day, which in some cities continued very late, I warmly thank and offer my full support to the police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters who, across France, intervened under extreme conditions," Nunez posted on X.
"From midday onward -- in Marseille from the morning -- outrages were committed by several thousand far-left individuals determined to target our public buildings and confront our law enforcement forces. Later, they were joined by delinquents who looted and ransacked numerous businesses in several cities in France: Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Rennes, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Nice, Limoges, ... and many others," he added.
The French cabinet member reported that more than 500 police personnel, gendarmes and firefighters had sustained injuries, while numerous merchants had incurred substantial property losses amid the turmoil.
"For now, 1,800 people have been taken into custody, and as of today, investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators of these acts so that they may face justice," he posted on X.
"At this stage, more than 500 police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters have been injured in these scenes of violence. This health toll is unfortunately only provisional. The material damage is considerable, notably for several hundred merchants. The Republic will yield nothing to those who seek to impose disorder and violence," he added.
The police prefect representing the Haute-Vienne department confirmed that the blaze which ravaged the town hall in Limoges during Saturday's rallies had been successfully contained. Maurice Barate stated that an unruly mob had purposefully ignited the 143-year-old structure, causing its roof to collapse significantly during the demonstrations, according to reports from France 24.
Violent confrontations broke out between security forces and demonstrators in the capital and various regions across the country on Saturday, coinciding with nationwide marches opposing escalating inflation. Demonstrators ignited fires at multiple sites, while thieves broke into dozens of commercial outlets.
The civil disturbance followed weeks of student-led rallies. Tens of thousands of citizens marched through the eastern and northern sectors of Paris during a prominent demonstration on Saturday, chanting slogans such as "Everyone hates the police" and "Macron, resign."
Demonstrators also set fire to a tourist information centre in central Lyon and forced entry into town halls in Marseille and Lille, vandalising the interiors before leaving, according to France 24. Numerous commercial stores were looted, particularly across Marseille.
More than 300 demonstrators attempted to advance towards the Champs-Elysees in Paris, an area housing several flagship high-end boutiques, while chanting "all cops are bastards" as security units deployed tear gas to halt their progress. (ANI)
1,800 people arrested during protests: French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez
