Paris court overturns protest ban as thousands rally peacefully

Thousands of protesters gathered in Paris on Thursday after an administrative court overturned a police ban on the demonstration, despite concerns over potential street violence following weekend clashes. The court ruling came after organizers challenged the prefecture's ban, which was imposed due to risks of unrest from masked youth who looted shops and torched cars. Protesters gathered peacefully under heavy police presence, with organizers agreeing to keep the demonstration stationary. French President Emmanuel Macron said future protests by non-union groups would be banned, while unions could propose alternative routes. The unrest, sparked by student grievances over school funding, has escalated into broader protests over living costs ahead of next year's presidential election.