RT France reporter injured in the face as police tackle Yellow Vest protest in Paris

RT France reporter Lucas Leger says he was hit by a "police shot" in the face during the mayhem in downtown Paris as riot police were trying to disperse the Yellow Vest protesters.

RT France Director Xenia Fedorova confirmed that two reporters were injured on the Champs-Elysees by a police tear gas grenade and a shot from a Flash-Ball non-lethal shotgun. Leger was wounded in the jaw, and is receiving medical assistance in the hospital, she said.

The reporter was hit when he was broadcasting from the scene for RT France on Facebook Live.

“A lot of tear gas grenades were launched, and the protesters were throwing a lot of projectiles,” Leger explained. As he was filming the mayhem, a tear gas grenade went off right next to him, injuring the journalist with shrapnel.

The projectile was likely launched by the CRS riot police officers as it came from their direction, he alleged.

“It was easy to understand who I am.” 

Yet, Leger still believes he was not targeted on purpose, but became “a collateral victim.” Earlier, the injured reporter posted a bloodied selfie after he was hit by a police projectile.

The Yellow Vest protesters have been rallying against a controversial fuel tax introduced by President Emmanuel Macron. Saturday’s rally – marking the third weekend of unrest – has again descended into chaos, with police deploying water cannons and tear gas.

Demonstrators pelted law enforcement with bottles, firecrackers, and other projectiles.

A riot police officer aims a grenade launcher during a protest of Yellow Vests in Paris, on December 1, 2018. ©  AFP / Alain Jocard

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