260+ arrested in Paris unrest as thousands rally against Macron’s fuel reforms

Over 260 demonstrators were arrested as police faced off with Yellow Vest protesters in the French capital. Thousands rallied against Emmanuel Macron’s reforms on fuel prices and higher tax.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe at first confirmed 107 arrests, while police and the Interior Ministry later put the number at over 260.

Since early morning, massive demonstrations have been gripping Paris, resulting in fierce clashes between police and demonstrators. Officers deployed tear gas and water cannons against the rioters who answered with rocks and projectiles of various sorts.

Protesters wearing yellow vests in Paris ©  Reuters

While Paris – according to official figures – saw over 5,000 protesters, the number of those rallying across the country, was estimated with 75,000. The ‘street battles’ left at least 90 people injured, according to the police prefecture. The number includes six police officers and an RT reporter.

@AFP

At one point, when law enforcement moved against the demonstrators, some of them were seen falling down and grasping their legs, presumably hit by rubber bullets.

Hours into the unrest, two RT France journalists were also injured by a tear gas canister and a flash-ball gun. One of them, Lucas Leger, later posted a picture of his bruised cheek.

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