Riots are already reported to have taken place in Strasbourg in broad daylight. There, among other things, an Apple store in a shopping center is said to have been vandalized – despite the police’s attempts to stop the protesters’ access to the shopping center.
The police used tear gas against the looters and eleven people were arrested on the spot.
France’s government has vowed to take tough measures to restore order. Earlier on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced, among other things, that more police officers are being deployed to deal with the violence.
Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has in turn announced that the police will use armored vehicles.
“Crucial Hours”
“These next few hours will be decisive,” writes Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin in a letter to police officers.
“The human and material reinforcements we are currently sending will give you the means to defend the Republic and its values,” he adds.
Furthermore, Borne has announced that large events are canceled and that the sale of large fireworks is prohibited.
In addition, all bus and tram traffic throughout the country is stopped from 9 p.m.
Suspected attempted murder of a police officer
In Marseille, an investigation into a suspected attempted murder of a police officer has also been launched, reports Le Monde, which refers to AFP.
According to the newspaper, two plainclothes police officers were allegedly attacked by around 20 people who identified them as police officers. They are said to have been severely abused, including by blows to the head.
Marseille has banned demonstrations on Friday.
So far, over 850 people have been arrested during the riots.