KABUL (Pajhwok): Clashes broke out between police and demonstrators in Paris and several other French cities during nationwide protests against the rising cost of living, inequality and deteriorating public services.
Around 320,000 people took part in demonstrations across France on Saturday, marking the third consecutive weekend of protests. Although most of the nearly 150 rallies remained peaceful, violence erupted in several cities towards the end of the demonstrations, the Guardian reported.
In Paris, masked demonstrators threw paving stones and an incendiary device at police as a march reached its final destination. Police responded with tear gas, stun grenades and baton charges to disperse the crowds.
Clashes were also reported in Marseille and other cities, while police used tear gas in Lyon and Toulouse to disperse demonstrators.
According to the French Interior Ministry, 320,000 people participated in the nationwide demonstrations, including 70,000 in Paris. Youth organisations, however, estimated the total turnout at nearly 500,000.
Authorities reported 565 arrests across the country. Four police officers and one gendarme were injured in Paris during the clashes.
The demonstrations brought together students, trade unions and Yellow Vest activists, who protested against the rising cost of living, economic inequality and declining public services.
The protest movement has also expanded to include demands for greater protection of civil liberties and the right to demonstrate, following a security crackdown and injuries to several protesters.
Authorities had deployed around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country to maintain security during the demonstrations.
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