French Freedom Convoy rolls into Paris
Authorities have ordered more than 7,000 additional law enforcement officers to Paris as a French "Freedom Convoy" inspired by the one currently occupying the Canadian capital converged on Paris to protest the country's COVID-19 restrictions, BBC reports.
Reuters explains that "France requires people to show proof of vaccination to enter public places such as cafes, restaurants, and museums, with a negative test no longer being sufficient for unvaccinated people."
Police say they stopped 500 vehicles from entering the city on Saturday, but at least several dozen — cars, campers, tractors, and other vehicles — were able to enter Paris and impede traffic around the Arc de Triomphe and on the Champs Elysees.
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Law enforcement responded by firing tear gas at demonstrators, arresting 14 people, and handing out 337 fines. Per BBC, of those arrested, "[t]wo were allegedly carrying knives, hammers and petrol canisters, and five were allegedly carrying slingshots."
Police have also "deployed armored personnel carriers and water cannon trucks," according to Reuters.
