Paris chaos: Protesters armed with chisels and wrenches as protests erupt – 24 arrests

Gerald Darmanin tweeted: “Already 24 arrests in Paris and seizures of tools that have no place in a demonstration. “Thank you to the police and gendarmes mobilized today against the thugs.”

The demonstrations are being organised by a group known as Coordination Stop Loi Sécurité Globale, which is named after the bill in question, with dozens taking place across the country.

Last weekend saw violent clashes, particularly in Paris, where black-clad activists found with police, who responded with tear gas, water cannons and batons.

They are a reaction to legilsation aimed at increasing the French Government’s surveillance tools and restricting rights on circulating images of police officers in the media and online.

The bill is part of Macron’s drive to get tougher on law and order ahead of elections in 2022.

His government also said the police needed to be better protected from online hate.

Anger has intensified as a result of the beating of music producer Michel Zecler, who is black, by several police officers in late November.

The incident came to light after closed circuit television and mobile phone footage circulated online.

In a U-turn earlier this week, Macron’s ruling party said it would rewrite the article that curbs rights to circulate images of police officers.

However, many opponents say the concession is not enough.

(More to follow)

source: express.co.uk