Unrest spreads across Europe after France riots
Sources differ on who organised the violence that followed a nationwide protest in France on 17 October. Several European countries have also seen unrest.
PARIS — Riots followed a nationwide protest in France on Saturday 17 October, according to reports from BBC Persian and Antara. Looting affected more than 3,000 shops and businesses, according to reports published in France.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said 1,200 people were arrested during the 17 October demonstrations and 150 police officers were injured, according to Antara, citing his statement. The figures have not been independently confirmed in the sources reviewed.
French intelligence services reported to government officials earlier this month that far-left anarchist groups had a role in the student protests, BBC Persian said. A report dated 29 September, published by Le Figaro, said student unions and groups close to the radical left had directed the student demonstrations. The left-wing party has denied the claim. Parliament's president, Yaël Braun-Pivet, has proposed a parliamentary inquiry into the unrest and how it was organised.
Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage and videos posted on social media. President Emmanuel Macron said everyone involved in the violence or theft will be prosecuted. Online sales platforms said they will work with French authorities. Former prime minister Gabriel Attal has called for a temporary, targeted halt to some social media services. Belgium's interior minister has also warned about violence spreading through social media.
Some reports say much of the looting appeared opportunistic, while the violence appeared planned. It is not clear who directed the violence.
Background
The protests began with secondary school pupils complaining about poor buildings, overcrowded classes and a lack of teachers. Students also demanded changes to university admission rules. Antara reported that protests later widened to include unions, farmers and political groups, with anger over rising prices and public services.
Antara also reported unrest in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Albania and Serbia. In Spain, protests followed the eviction of an 87-year-old pensioner from her Madrid home, according to Antara. Antara said she died two weeks after the eviction.
Sources
This report was written from the sources below and checked against at least two of them.
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