Paris shopkeepers stock up on pepper-gel before weekend protests

Paris shopkeepers and residents are buying pepper-gel self-defence weapons in large numbers ahead of expected weekend protests, fearing fresh rioting and looting after police lost control last weekend. Gun shops report demand up eight to ten times, with customers citing distrust of police protection. The government has banned "illegitimate" protests, will deploy 20 per cent more officers, and several cities have imposed curfews and demonstration bans. Major cultural events and museums, including Art Basel Paris and the Louvre, are closing early or shutting Saturday. At least 2,700 people have been detained since the unrest began, which followed student protests over university admissions.