A significant police presence was reported in Paris on Saturday as part of the fifth act of the social movement, which drew a crowd of approximately 24,000 people marching from the Republic Square to the Nation Square. The Paris police prefecture announced on Sunday that 108 individuals, including 38 minors, were placed in custody. The authorities had put in place a security and preventive control system that resulted in 126 arrests, of which 108 led to custodial sentences.
According to the Paris prosecutor's office, the arrests were primarily for forming groups with the intention of committing violent acts and unlawful assembly. The police prefecture stated that the main demonstration proceeded generally calmly, but two unauthorized processions were detected in the evening. Police quickly intercepted these groups, preventing any damage.
Nationwide, the French Interior Ministry reported that around 106,000 people participated in demonstrations on Saturday. This number is lower than the previous week's participation, which saw 146,000 people, including 46,000 in the capital, take to the streets. The Saturday demonstrations were part of a broader movement against the rising cost of living.
The events of Saturday were not without incident. Earlier in the week, on October 26, 267 law enforcement officers and 150 protesters were injured during demonstrations, with three serious cases reported. On October 25, a total of 1,314 people were arrested, and 53 law enforcement officers were injured, according to the Interior Ministry.
The scale of the police response was significant, with 70,000 law enforcement officers deployed across France on October 23. The authorities have been working to manage the protests, which have been a recurring feature of the social movement against the rising cost of living.
The protests and arrests are part of a larger context of social unrest in France. On October 24, it was reported that 410,000 people had taken part in demonstrations across the country. The Interior Ministry and law enforcement agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.
As the social movement continues, the authorities remain vigilant. The police presence in Paris and other cities is likely to remain significant in the coming weeks. The government's response to the protesters' demands will be crucial in determining the future course of the movement.
Key points
- 108 people, including 38 minors, were placed in custody during the Parisian demonstration on Saturday.
- The nationwide protests drew approximately 106,000 participants, according to the French Interior Ministry.
- The demonstrations were part of a broader movement against the rising cost of living in France.
