"Yellow Vest" Protesters Detained in Paris As Police Clamp Down on Protests

French police push back protesters with tear gas and water cannons

Thousands of angry protesters tried to converge on France's presidential palace on Saturday, with more than 500 people being detained as authorities try and contain a third week of protests there. 

The protests began as a way to resist a hike in diesel and gasoline taxes, with many upset about stagnant incomes, the high cost of living, and other grievances joining the protests. Last week, riots and looting in Paris saw at least 130 people injured. Some of the most popular destinations for tourists have been closed by the protests, including The Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. 

French police used water cannons and fired tear gas on thousands of yellow-vested protesters Saturday to prevent them from making it to the presidential palace. Some cars were flipped and set on fire, as protesters moved through the streets. Protesters threw flares and other projectiles, but found themselves driven back by police.  

Protesters traveling to Paris from other parts of the country say police are preventing yellow-vested passengers from boarding at stops along their route. People were frisked and had their bags searched with gas masks and goggles being seized.

Up to 8,000 police were deployed in the capital, with some 89,000 security forces in total being used to try and keep the calm. 

French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to abandon the gas tax hikes, but that hasn't been enough to defuse the anger. 

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner asked for protesters to calm and bring a more peaceful message for what they want to accomplish. 

"I ask the yellow vests that want to bring about a peaceful message to not go with the violent people. We know that the violent people are only strong because they hide themselves within the yellow vests, which hampers the security forces,” he said Saturday.

Photo: Getty Images


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