Demonstrators Clash With Police in Paris as French Protest Against COVID-19 Passes – Videos

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Demonstrators Clash With Police in Paris as French Protest Against COVID-19 Passes - Videos

Earlier this month, the French president announced a series of new restrictions, most notably an introduction of a special “health pass” required for visiting public places.

The demonstrations against a bill requiring the French people to have a special COVID-19 pass to enter public venues – including restaurants and theatres – gripped the country on Saturday, with protests in Paris descending into skirmishes with police. 

The Paris authorities have given a green light to separate demonstrations, including a march that started at Bastille Plaza and proceeded through eastern Paris and a gathering that spanned across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. The latter was initiated by Florian Philippot, the founder of the Patriots party and a former National Rally member.

The demonstrators were marching with French flags and placards reading “Freedom”, a Sputnik correspondent reported from the French capital. While the protests remained largely peaceful, tensions erupted on the margins of the Bastille rally, with a demonstrator throwing a chair at a police officer. The riot police responded with tear gas.

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The protests have also hit Marseille, France’s second largest city, national media reported, saying that the demonstrators were singing the national anthem and chanting “Freedom.”

​The demonstrations were also reported in other cities, including Nice, Dunkirk, Perpignan and Narbonne, as well as Reunion, an overseas French territory.

​The rallies hit the nation as the French senators were discussing the controversial bill on Saturday, a day after the lower house of parliament approved it to stem the rising number of new coronavirus cases.

Divisive Legislation

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a series of new restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19. 

From Wednesday, 21 July, people visiting museums, theatres, cinemas, festivals, concerts, and amusement parks are required to have a health pass confirming that its holder has either been vaccinated or is COVID-negative. Additionally, the French president has introduced mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers.

Starting August, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, airplanes and long-distance trains will also require passes.

The new restrictions triggered a wave of protests that swept across France last weekend. Another rally is scheduled for Sunday.

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Sourse: sputniknews.com

Demonstrators Clash With Police in Paris as French Protest Against COVID-19 Passes – Videos

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