France expands protest bans nationwide, drawing civil liberties criticism

France is multiplying bans on demonstrations ahead of Saturday's protests, citing fears of new unrest and looting, sparking criticism from civil liberties groups. Restrictions on movement and assembly are spreading nationwide. Marseille will ban all protests Saturday and extend its curfew to adults, with similar measures in Lyon, Nice, and Montpellier. Paris has authorized one march but maintains nightly curfews around key squares until Monday. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon defended the measures Thursday, stating public order is the priority and that without it, no serene discussion of student demands is possible.