Security measures taken in France following the Yellow Vest protests against the high cost of living and high fuel prices have been expanded. It has been decided that the partial curfew applied in specific areas of Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Nice will continue today.
The Paris Police Prefecture announced that the restrictions that went into effect yesterday around the Place de la République and Les Halles in the capital have been extended for another day. Accordingly, city residents are prohibited from being in these locations between 23:00 and 06:00 local time.
Furthermore, unauthorized demonstrations will not be permitted in the capital between 20:00 and 06:00 local time around the Elysee Palace, the National Assembly, the Senate, the Champs-Élysées, Châtelet, and Place Vendôme, as well as near certain train stations.
The Prefecture of the Rhône also stated that the restriction decision taken in the center of Lyon has contributed to maintaining calm in the city. In Lyon, the partial curfew will be applied for one more day between 21:00 and 06:00 local time.
According to information reflected in the French press, the number of cities across the country where a partial curfew is in effect has risen to 12. It had been previously announced that restrictions would be imposed during nighttime hours in certain areas of Paris, Lyon, Lille, Nice, Douai, and Wattignies.
149 PEOPLE ARRESTED
French Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin, in a statement made in Lille where violent incidents occurred, said that 149 suspects identified as having disturbed public order and participated in looting during the protests have been arrested. Darmanin expressed his satisfaction with the response provided by judicial authorities against the acts of violence.
An investigation has also been launched to determine the causes of death for two people who lost their lives during the demonstrations in the capital over the weekend. According to the statement from the Paris Police Prefecture, a 59-year-old person found unconscious near the Place de la République on October 17 passed away at the first aid center where they were taken. On the morning of October 19, the lifeless body of a 48-year-old person was found on Rue Berger.
The Yellow Vest protests, which were also supported by students, had spread across the country on October 17. While approximately 2,500 people were detained during the actions, over 1,000 police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters were injured. It was reported that approximately 3,000 businesses were damaged or looted during the violent incidents.
Following the arson of the Limoges City Hall and the tourism office in Lyon, as well as damage to the city hall in Marseille, local authorities had begun implementing partial curfews in some regions to prevent potential new protests.
News Source: 12punto
