The police fired back volleys of tear gas and made repeated charges at groups of troublemakers for close to three hours.
A demonstrator holds an umbrella and a sign reading "For your safety you will have no more freedoms" (IT'S THE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN QUOTE 'WHAT YOU GAIN IN SECURITY YOU GIVE UP IN FREEDOM') during a protest against the "Global Security Bill'', that right groups say would make it a crime to circulate an image of a police officer's face and would infringe journalists' freedom in the country, in Paris, France, December 5, 2020. Photo: Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes
Michaela Cabrera and Richard Lough
Paris: Scores of hooded anarchists launched projectiles at riot police, smashed up shop fronts, torched cars and burned barricades during a demonstration in the French capital on Saturday against police violence and a draft security law.
The police fired back volleys of tear gas and made repeated charges at groups of troublemakers for close to three hours. One group of anarchists ransacked the branch office of a bank, throwing piles of paperwork onto a fire outside.
It marked the second consecutive of weekend of unrest in Paris, provoked by recent episodes of police brutality and President Emmanuel Macron’s security plans, which the demonstrators say would restrict civil liberties.
Rallies also took place in Marseille, Lyon, Lille and other French cities.
Thousands of people had began marching peacefully in Paris, waving banners that read “France, land of police rights” and “Withdrawal of the security law“, when the clashes erupted between police and ‘Black Bloc’ anarchists.
Paris police said that some 500 “casseurs” (which translates as hoodlums or rioters) had infiltrated the protest, according to BFM TV. Thirty arrests had been made by 1700 GMT, the force added.
A protestor wearing a face mask reading ”Freedom or death” holds a placard reading ”The head of an assassin is recognised in the basket” during a demonstration against the “Global Security Bill”, that right groups say would make it a crime to circulate an image of a police officer’s face and would infringe journalists’ freedom in the country, in Paris, France, December 5, 2020. Photo: Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes
France has been hit by a wave of street protests after the government introduced a security bill in parliament that set out to increase its surveillance tools and restrict rights on circulating images of police officers in the media and online.
France has been hit by a wave of street protests after the government introduced a security bill in parliament that set out to increase its surveillance tools and restrict rights on circulating images of police officers in the media and online.
The bill was part of Macron’s drive to get tougher on law and order ahead of elections in 2022. His government also said the police needed to be better protected from online
But the draft legislation provoked a public backlash.
The beating of a Black man, music producer Michel Zecler, by several police officers in late November intensified anger. That incident came to light after closed circuit television and mobile phone footage circulated online.
In a U-turn earlier this week, Macron’s ruling party said it would rewrite the article that curbs rights to circulate images of police officers. But many opponents say that is not enough.
“We’re heading towards an increasingly significant limitation of freedoms. There is no justification,” said Paris resident Karine Shebabo.
Another protester, Xavier Molenat, said: “France has this habit of curbing freedoms while preaching their importance to others.”
Macron acknowledged on Friday that people of colour were more likely to be stopped by police for ID checks than whites. He said an online platform would be created for citizens to log unwarranted searches.
The president’s remarks drew a furious response from police unions on Saturday. Alliance Police called Macron’s comments shameful and denied the force was racist. The Alternative Police union threatened to halt random checks.
(Reuters)
Tensions rise on Paris march against proposed police images law
5 December 2020,
Thousands of people have taken part in rallies across the country.
Thousands of people around France have protested against a proposed bill that could make it more difficult for witnesses to film police officers.
Tensions rose at the Paris march as intruders set fire to several cars, broke into a bank and tossed objects at police.
The protest-crashers, who disrupted a similar demonstration a week ago, formed a barricade on a section of the march route in eastern Paris, temporarily blocking the procession.
Dressed in black and known as “black blocs”, the aggressive interlopers are a feared element at French demonstrations.
Police officers who have come under fire for alleged racism and gratuitous violence within their ranks were hard-pressed to stop the individuals seeding chaos at the march.
“Police mutilate, police kill”, read one banner carried by protesters.
Earlier, French president Emmanuel Macron triggered anger among police unions during an interview with young people in which he said that officers with violent behaviour and “racist attitudes” must be tracked and sanctioned.
Mr Macron also announced plans for a online platform the public can use to report and discuss misconduct and acts of bias by police officers.
In reaction, police unions pressed colleagues to stop carrying out identity checks, which activists see as prime opportunities for discrimination.
The interior ministry said about 52,350 people demonstrated around France, including 5,000 in Paris.
Interior minister Gerald Darmanin said at least 64 people were arrested during the protests and eight police officers were injured.
In a tweet, he praised police for facing down “very violent individuals”.
Tear gas & burning cars: 22 arrested following clashes between protesters & police in Paris (VIDEOS)
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Thousands of demonstrators set out from Porte des Lilas on the northeastern edge of the French capital on Saturday and headed to the Place de la République in the city center. The marchers sought to express their discontent over police violence and President Emmanuel Macron’s security policy plans.
The marchers were waving banners reading: “France, land of police rights” and “Withdrawal of the security law.”
The march almost immediately descended into violence, as groups of black-clad protesters with covered faces started smashing windows and burning cars. Soon, the streets in eastern Paris were plunged into chaos as demonstrators erected barricades and set them on fire.
While protesters chanted “everyone hates the police” and “anti-capitalists,” some in the thronging crowds broke windows in several buildings, including a supermarket, a real estate agency and a bank, and set cars – including a truck – ablaze. They were also seen destroying CCTV cameras along their route and pelting police with firecrackers and various projectiles.
Law enforcement were deployed to the streets in large numbers and responded with volleys of tear gas. Police officers clad in helmets and riot gear also attempted to disperse the crowds.
Footage uploaded to social media show Paris streets filled with thick plumes of tear gas, littered with debris and lit by the burning cars and barricades. On several occasions, the rioters managed to force the police to retreat by pelting the officers with firecrackers.
Police said that the demonstration was “infiltrated” by at least 500 “rioters” seeking to sow chaos. French Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin confirmed that at least 22 people were arrested, and thanked the police for their courage in the face of “very violent individuals.”
More than 90 demonstrations were held across France on Saturday including in many big cities like Marseille, Lyon or Rennes. They were mostly peaceful.The nation has been hit by a wave of protests after the government introduced a draft bill that would provide law enforcement with additional surveillance tools.
The bill’s controversial Article 24, in particular, sparked public anger as it seeks to protect police officers from doxing and harassment, and bans the filming of on-duty cops and sharing their images online with the “intent to harm.”
The bill’s critics argue such a provision would make the police less accountable and would be used to persecute those willing to expose police brutality. The tensions rose even more after footage emerged last month showing French police beat and racially abuse a black man, apparently for not wearing a face mask.
The lower house of the French parliament already approved the draft legislation in late November, but earlier this week, Macron’s government vowed to “rewrite” the controversial Article 24, although many critics say now that is simply not enough.
ALSO ON RT.COMParis protesters torch cars, set BANK on fire amid clashes over bill slammed as ‘ban on filming police brutality’ (VIDEOS)
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