Paris Protest Turns Violent as Far-Left Rioters Clash With Police

A peaceful protest in Paris descended into violence Saturday evening when masked far-left rioters clashed with police, who fired tear gas and sound grenades after being attacked with rocks and fireworks. The main march, which began at Porte d'Italie and followed a last-minute rerouted path through working-class neighborhoods, remained orderly for nearly three hours. Police, criticized for their response the previous weekend, took a more assertive stance, advancing on crowds to maintain control. As peaceful demonstrators departed, a separate group arrived, masked and carrying gas masks, without signs identifying a cause. They initiated the confrontation, prompting police to deploy tear gas and sound grenades, engulfing the streets in smoke and forcing officers to push back the mob.