Parisians stock up on pepper spray and tear gas ahead of weekend protests

Parisians are buying tear gas canisters and pepper spray for self-defense ahead of expected weekend protests, a Paris weapons shop owner told Reuters, following France's worst social unrest in years. Last weekend's nationwide riots over high prices and public services included a torched town hall and looted shops. Shop owner Yves Gollety reported a tenfold increase in non-lethal weapon sales, with customers including shopkeepers and individuals traumatized by the violence. Police have authorized only one union demonstration Saturday, rejecting other rally requests. Commerce officials urged shopkeepers not to arm themselves, while authorities plan to deploy 70,000 police with specialist units for the protests.