French authorities said on Tuesday that at least 540 people had been arrested following Labor Day protests in France’s main cities, which left 400 police officers and gendarmes injured.
According to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, the “points of violence” took place on Monday during demonstrations against the pension reform imposed by the head of state, Emmanuel Macron, and which were convened as part of the May 1 parades.
“We must severely punish those who attacked the police”said Darmanin, calling for a “law against crooks” to be passed.
The minister added that some of the injured were in a “very delicate” situation but were out of danger.
Authorities said 259 people were injured in the clashes in Paris, including 61 demonstrators.
“Where is the conviction of Jean Luc Mélenchon against the attacks on the police”said the minister, referring to the leader of the Insubmissive France party and criticizing him for not condemning the violence.
‘Silence makes him an accomplice’Darmanin told Le Figaro newspaper.
Source: DN
