Parisians Buy Pepper Spray and Tear Gas for Self-Defense Before Protests

Parisians are buying pepper spray and tear gas canisters for self-defense ahead of expected protests this weekend, following France's worst social unrest in years, a Paris weapons shop owner told Reuters. The unrest last weekend saw riots, a torched town hall, and looting, prompting shopkeeper Yves Gollety to report a tenfold increase in non-lethal weapon orders. Police have authorized only one union demonstration in Paris on Saturday, rejecting other rally requests. France will deploy 70,000 police for Saturday's protests, but some residents remain fearful. Business leaders urged shopkeepers to avoid arming themselves, while some Parisians opted for metal shutters instead of defensive weapons.