France deploys 70,000 personnel against violence
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Post
France plans to deploy about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes on Saturday to prevent further violence during demonstrations. The operation, reinforced by 10,000 personnel compared with the previous weekend, will include drones, helicopters and armoured vehicles, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, quoted by the Daily Post.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced on Friday the deployment of about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes on Saturday to prevent further violence in the country. The operation will include specialised units, helicopters, drones, armoured vehicles and water cannons, the Daily Post reports.
The number is 10,000 higher than the number deployed the previous weekend, which was marked by looting, damage, fires and clashes with police in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other cities, according to the Daily Post. Authorities have restricted or banned demonstrations in several municipalities, while Parisian cultural institutions, including the Louvre, are to close as a precaution.
Laurent Nuñez called for a firm response to violence, attempted looting and attacks targeting public buildings. The operation comes as the government faces criticism over its handling of the unrest and as new demonstrations are announced across France, the Daily Post reports.
The mobilisation comes a day after the announcement of the deployment of 70,000 police officers, already published on 23 October. It also follows the arrival at the Élysée Palace of student organisations, announced the same day.
