France bans firework mortars until 27 November
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on BFMTV
The French government is banning the sale of F2 and F3 fireworks until 27 November, which have been used at demonstrations and outside schools. The decree was published in the Official Journal on 15 November, after several education staff were injured, according to BFMTV.
The French government has banned the sale of firework mortars until 27 November. According to a decree published in the Official Journal this Sunday, 15 November, the measure targets categories F2 and F3, while category F4 fireworks remain reserved for professional pyrotechnicians. Until now, their purchase was regulated: it had to be made through approved shops or under authorisation, and firing them in public spaces remained prohibited.
These devices are now being used to injure people, according to a government source, who says the right to demonstrate is guaranteed but not the right to injure. Shots fired at head height have targeted police officers, gendarmes, National Education staff and high-school pupils, outside schools and sometimes inside them. In early November, in Val-d’Oise, at least four school staff, including the headteacher, were injured; other injuries have been recorded in recent days during new incidents at several high schools.
On Thursday, the executive hardened its tone and threatened criminal proceedings against those responsible for violence targeting National Education staff. These incidents are part of the movement against the cost of living, whose fifth day of demonstrations was held on Saturday 14 November, with slightly smaller turnout than previous ones. A new mobilisation is planned for Tuesday.
