France extended curfew after mass riots
On October 20, French authorities extended the curfew in Paris, Lyon and several other cities after the mass riots that accompanied the demonstrations on October 17. Additional restrictions were introduced in Marseille and Bordeaux. In some cities, the measures apply only to minors.
This was reported by Le Parisien and Euronews.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that the restrictions, first introduced on the evening of October 19, helped to stabilize the situation. According to police and gendarmerie, the night to Tuesday passed without serious incidents in the areas under curfew.
Despite this, the government decided to extend the restrictions and, if necessary, to extend them to other areas. The relevant decisions are taken by prefects after consultations with local authorities.
“The curfew contributed to the calm of the past night,” — Lecornu said.
Which cities have restrictions
In Paris the curfew has been extended in the area of the Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district. The restrictions are in effect from 23:00 to 06:00. Demonstrations and public gatherings are also prohibited in some parts of the capital. The Paris Police Prefecture reported that the measures will be maintained for as long as it takes to ensure security.
In Lyon the curfew has been extended for the night of October 20 to 21. In the city center, movement is restricted from 21:00 to 06:00. The ban on public gatherings from 16:00 to 21:00 has also been extended.
In Marseille authorities decided to keep night restrictions for minors in certain areas of the city center. The curfew begins at 22:00.
In Bordeaux, a curfew for unaccompanied minors was introduced on October 20. It is in effect from 22:00 to 07:00 and will last until the morning of October 26. As reported by the Prefecture of Gironde, the restrictions are aimed primarily at protecting shopping districts that have been seriously damaged by looting.
Similar measures for minors continue to apply in certain areas of Nice, Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain.
The government stress that a nationwide curfew is not being introduced. The restrictions are local in nature and vary in duration, area of application, and categories of citizens.
Government preparing for new demonstrations
At the same time, French authorities are preparing for new mass actions scheduled for Saturday, October 24.
Lecornu announced a massive increase in police presence. According to him, security measures will be reviewed in light of the mistakes made during the demonstrations on October 17.
Authorities acknowledged that the initial security plan was insufficiently effective. In some cities, police failed to prevent mass looting of stores, car arson, and damage to administrative buildings.
According to French authorities, more than 2,500 people were detained after the weekend. The first trials of riot participants have begun.
Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin instructed prosecutors to strengthen the legal response to organized violent actions. The French parliament also agreed to conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the riots and the actions of the security forces.
During the protests on October 17, thousands of commercial properties were damaged. The government is preparing financial support measures for affected businesses and to accelerate the reopening of stores.
Earlier, on October 19, the first local curfew was reported to have been introduced in several French cities. The decisions of October 20 extend some restrictions and establish additional security measures.
