French Protests Turn Violent in Several Cities as Police Use Tear Gas and Water Cannons

Nationwide protests in France have turned violent in several cities, with police deploying tear gas and water cannons, while demonstrations in Paris remain peaceful. At least 135 people have been detained as of 13:00 on October 24. In Lyon, Lille, Toulouse, and Nantes, special police units used tear gas against protesters, and water cannons were deployed in Lille and Nantes, where looters also ransacked a jewelry store. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had warned, "We will not tolerate any violence or public order disturbances." In Paris, 110,000 people marched peacefully, with far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon praising participants' "beautiful discipline." The protests follow a major demonstration on October 17 marked by violence and looting. Authorities have mobilized 70,000 police officers nationwide to prevent a repeat of last week's unrest. Some cities, including Marseille, have banned protests and suspended public transport for 24 hours due to fears of disorder.