Lyon Bans Protests in City Center Ahead of Second Cost-of-Living March

A second demonstration against the high cost of living is underway in Lyon, France, with protests banned in the city center from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. following last week's riots and looting. Authorities expect 20,000 to 25,000 attendees, with an undeclared gathering announced for 2 p.m. at Place Bellecour. Police reinforcements and 40 private security agents have been deployed, while fuel containers and firecrackers are prohibited in the Rhône department until Monday. Legal challenges by Solidaires and the Human Rights League were rejected Friday evening. The ban covers a large central perimeter including the Presqu'île, Vieux-Lyon, Brotteaux, Part-Dieu, and Guillotière districts. Last week's protest saw over 200 businesses damaged, including 157 on the Presqu'île, and 199 arrests have been made since.