Paris police said they arrested 97 people who defied a ban on a Canada-style protest convoy over coronavirus regulations to try block traffic in the capital, with 81 still in custody today, AFP reports.
Thousands of demonstrators from across France attempted to block traffic in the capital on Saturday in a self-proclaimed “freedom convoy” of cars, trucks and campervans. Hundreds of them continued on to Brussels on Sunday. In Paris, more than 100 vehicles managed to converge on the Champs-Elysees avenue, where police used teargas to disperse protesters in scenes reminiscent of the “yellow vest” riots of 2018-2019.
Riot police use their batons as they scuffle with demonstrators on the Champs-Elysees avenue during a protest against Covid-19 vaccine and restrictions, in Paris, France on February 12, 2022.—AFP
