Paris, Oct 20 (V7N)- Authorities in France have imposed nighttime curfews in parts of Paris and several other cities following a weekend of riots, looting and clashes between protesters and police, according to a BBC News report.
The restrictions took effect on Monday night, October 19. In the Place de la République and Le Havre areas of Paris, the curfew runs from 11pm to 6am local time.
Partial curfews have also been introduced in cities including Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon and Lille. Restrictions vary by area, with authorities limiting the movement of young people in some places and banning public gatherings in others.
Officials said more than 2,500 people had been arrested in connection with the unrest. Around 1,000 police officers were reportedly injured, while a protester lost a hand after a grenade used in crowd control exploded.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said local mayors could impose curfews where necessary to maintain public order.
He also said the government would provide funding to repair areas damaged during the riots, with compensation costs recovered from those responsible for the violence. Financial assistance would also be made available to people unable to go to work because of the unrest and looting.
The violence followed weekend protests involving approximately 550,000 people, according to the report. Demonstrators were protesting rising fuel prices, the increasing cost of living and deteriorating public services, including education.
During the unrest, rioters reportedly set fire to cars and buildings and looted shops in several cities, including Paris and Marseille.
Authorities are continuing efforts to restore order and assess the damage caused by the violence.
END/SMA/AJ
