The key facts

  • In Lyon, 300–400 participants of an unauthorized march gathered at the Manufacture des Tabacs tobacco factory
  • Police used tear gas after the crowd, according to the Rhône prefecture, failed to comply with the demand to disperse
  • This is the fourth consecutive Saturday of nationwide mobilization; about 70,000 law enforcement officers have been deployed across the country

Dispersal of an unauthorized march in Lyon

In Lyon, France, police used tear gas to disperse an unauthorized demonstration. This was reported by the BFM TV channel, which is cited by Gazeta.Ru. Several hundred people gathered at the Manufacture des Tabacs tobacco factory: at around 2:00 pm there were between 300 and 400 participants there, surrounded by numerous police forces.

Police cordons changed the route

The column, led by the organization Lutte ouvriere, was originally planned to head toward Place Jean-Macé, but due to a dense police cordon it moved along Boulevard Vivier-Merle. After that, law enforcement officers used tear gas to hold back the protesters' advance.

The prefecture's position

The Rhône prefecture confirmed that several hundred people occupied the roadway as part of an 'unauthorized gathering,' which it classified as a 'violation of public order.' According to the prefecture, participants were called upon to disperse, but 'the crowd did not comply,' after which tear gas was used. The Lyon authorities reminded that marches and gatherings in the city center were banned for that day.

Context of the nationwide mobilization

As BFM TV notes, this is already the fourth consecutive Saturday of nationwide mobilization called by trade union and youth organizations, as well as the 'yellow vests.' Across the country, about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes have been deployed to prevent unrest. Earlier in Paris, warnings were issued about a new protest action with the participation of about 60,000 people.