4 days Ago
In all, 559 people were arrested, the interior ministry said, including 491 people in Paris. Of those, 320 were taken into police custody, 254 of them in the capital. Two painful deaths had also taken place and 192 injured had been reported by officials. (On gardening leave like many working Frenchmen at this time of year, I’ve been indulging in my other two hobbies: walking and watching sport). A Frenchman wrestles with his conscience Being a huge rugby fan, I am obviously supporting France. … Aargh! Grab your boots and slam on your berets, the French are coming England is going to be gripped over the next few weeks by French hysteria as the Rugby World Cup 2007 takes place.
Clashes, Fires and Police Response
The Champs-Élysées, a favorite spot for celebrations, was extensively damaged. Bus shelters were shattered and objects were thrown at riot police. Police used tear gas and water cannons to try to clear the crowds. More than 200 cars were set on fire and hundreds of fires had been reported throughout the country. Twenty-two security personnel and seven firemen were injured during the clashes.
Police chief Laurent Nuñez had said that there were 5,400 officers deployed on call in readiness for the event. He said there could be more unrest, particularly with more celebrations planned for Sunday, including a PSG parade and an event for fans at Parc des Princes.
More Celebrations As City Goes Into Lockdown
And the police are restricting attendance to a parade down the Champs-Élysées to little more than 100,000 people. Only those already gathered there will be permitted to spend the night, and others will be turned away. Other soirees are planned at Place de la Porte de Saint-Cloud later in the day. Officials have said that they will act forcefully if there are additional incidents, like road blockades or attacks on law enforcement.
Nuñez stressed the importance of keeping their guard up, referring to this moment as “halftime” in controlling the revelry.
