After Protests Become Violent Paris Streets are Littered with Burnt Automobiles and Glass
France awakened to sights of widespread destruction on Sunday following a day of rioting and rallies, with shopfronts smashed, cars burnt out, motorcycles torched and mounds of glass and debris on the pavements of Paris. About 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets in generally peaceful protests, while police arrested about 1,800 people on Saturday.
They protested rising fuel prices, the cost of living, and decaying public services such as schools. In Paris, Marseille and other towns and cities, groups of rioters also emerged, some in black clothing and masks and balaclavas, setting fire to automobiles and structures. Looting spread through Paris, Marseille, Lille, and beyond.
Riot police in Paris used tear gas and water cannons on crowds, as protestors battled with police. In the night, some groups lit fires in the street and set fire to vehicles. At least one restaurant was set ablaze, and some of the groups were witnessed by the BBC clashed.
The upset owner told the BBC he saw the robbers on the CCTV, who were in the shop for just over an hour and a half, but he saw no cops during that period.
The proprietor, who did not want to be named, told the BBC he did not think any of those who stole from the shop were genuine demonstrators about school conditions or the cost of living. He claimed the looters were taking advantage of the demonstrations.
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