France's Protest Dilemma: Where Do Rights End?

French authorities banned a Yellow Vests gathering at Paris's Place de la Concorde on Saturday, fining about 30 seated protesters €135 each and detaining two leaders, amid broader debate over protest limits. The government has restricted routes and gatherings since October after looting incidents, with 70,000 police mobilized nationwide. Courts upheld a ban on a union march between Bastille and Nation, citing violence risks, while police confiscation of student posters drew criticism. Polls show 74% support temporary bans in high-risk areas and 87% back more police, though only 38% favor prohibiting all protests. The Défenseur des droits received 46 complaints about student mobilization incidents.