French prosecutors have opened an investigation into attempted murder following a weekend of protests in Paris, where rioters threw a petrol bomb at security forces. The incident occurred during a third weekend of demonstrations across France, where an estimated 320,000 people gathered to protest living costs and education conditions.
Prosecutors launch attempted murder investigation
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed Sunday that a formal investigation is underway for the "attempted murder of persons vested with public authority." The probe follows reports from the Paris Police Prefecture that several hundred rioters targeted security forces with projectiles, including an incendiary device.
"Explosive devices were thrown at around fifteen gendarmes as well as police officers," the prosecutor’s office stated. Footage from the scene showed an incendiary device exploding at the feet of police in the eastern part of the city. Initial injuries among the security forces included second-degree burns, according to prosecutors. One gendarme, a member of the military police branch of the French armed forces, described to French television a "rain" of projectiles and the physical sensation of "skin that stings."
Police deploy nationwide as arrests continue
The French interior ministry reported that approximately 70,000 police and gendarmes were deployed nationwide to manage the crowds. By Sunday, the ministry confirmed more than 770 people had been arrested in connection with the weekend’s events.
While Interior Minister Laurent Nunez characterized the violence from some rioters as "extraordinary," the ministry noted that there were "no major incidents" reported late Saturday. The France Chambers of Commerce and Industry reported that damage to retail businesses was significantly lower than in previous weeks, with approximately 20 shops affected. However, the organization expressed concern regarding the overall impact of the ongoing demonstrations on retail activity during the peak holiday season.
Student groups plan further school blockades
The protests, which originated from student concerns over inequality and learning conditions, are expected to continue this week. Pierre Sourzat, head of the "Lyceens!" student group, stated that blockades of high schools are scheduled to restart Monday following a two-week break.
"It will be more significant from Tuesday, but we know that some schools will be blocked as early as tomorrow," Mr. Sourzat told broadcaster RMC. The Union Etudiante, represented by spokeswoman Sabrine Kharbach, has also confirmed plans for university and high school blockades on Tuesday and Thursday.
The government has proposed measures to address these concerns, including providing loans for school renovations and replacing the current university admissions platform. These efforts have not satisfied student leaders. Mr. Sourzat dismissed the government’s plan to reduce class sizes, noting it would only apply to 10th-grade students rather than all year groups. "It’s smoke and mirrors," he said. President Emmanuel Macron has called for a return to calm, stating that the concerns of young people have been heard, though student groups maintain that the proposed policies lack substance.
Frequently asked questions about the French protests
What is the current status of the suspects in the petrol bomb attack?
Investigators are working to identify those responsible for the attack on security forces, but the prosecutor’s office confirmed on Sunday that no suspects are currently in custody.
How many people participated in the demonstrations nationwide?
The interior ministry estimated that 320,000 people took part in protests across France over the weekend.
What specific demands are the student groups making?
Students are protesting against deteriorating learning conditions and inequality. Their specific grievances include a lack of transparency in the university admissions process, a shortage of places in higher education, and a desire for broader class-size reductions across all grade levels rather than only in the 10th grade.
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