SHOCKING photos show anti-Macron ‘Gilet Jaune’ RIOTING in Paris - Police and shops HIT
DRAMATIC images show smashed up banks and fires in the streets of Paris after a protest last week by the French Gilet Jaune, or ‘yellow vest’ movement.
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The pictures were taken by a reporter for Express.co.uk who was on the scene. They were taken on 9 February, when the Gilet Jaune carried out their 13th weekly protest. Another round of protests, including more violent clashes, took place yesterday.
During the demonstration a man had four fingers blown off after picking up a police flash bang, according to French media.
The incident took place as protestors attempted to storm the National Assembly, the second chamber of the French Parliament.
Demonstrators began gathering from 10.30am local time (9.30am GMT) at the top of the Champs-Élysées, near the Arc de Triomphe.
They were monitored by a large police presence, including armed vehicles and water cannon.
At 12pm local time (11am GMT) the march departed down the Champs-Élysées, with protestors chanting slogans attacking French President Emmanuel Macron and the police.
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Some demonstrators carried placards demanding ‘Frexit’, or French departure from the European Union.
Clashes quickly developed, with police deploying tear gas and flash bang grenades to contain protestors.
Radical elements within the Gilet Jaune dubbed anti-capitalist and anti-Macron slogans on walls and shops as the march progressed.
The march headed south, crossing the Seine, where violence intensified outside the National Assembly.
Demonstrators ripped chunks off wooden panelling outside the compound, throwing some inside over the permitted wall.
Police were attacked with bottles and stones, responding with tear gas and flash bangs.
As well as the man who fingers several protestors were overcome with teargas, and required medical attention.
During the afternoon the march made its way across a large swath of central Paris south of the Seine.
As this took place multiple banks, estate agents and other commercial premises were attacked and had their windows smashed by radical elements.
However the majority of the Gilet Jaune remained peaceful throughout.
Fires were started in the street, with bins being overturned and burnt, whilst several luxury cars were vandalised or set on fire.
By around 6pm local time (5pm GMT) the protest had made its way back to the Seine where a security van was torched near the base of the Eiffel Tower.
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Yellow Vest protesters clash with police in Paris
According to police 51,400 protestors took part across France, including 4,000 in Paris, though organisers claimed far more.
The Gilet Jaune demonstrations began in November 2018, in protest at planned diesel and petrol tax rises designed to meet environmental targets.
They quickly developed into a broader movement opposing French President Mr Macron and his centrist En Marche party, incorporating groups and individuals with a wide range of demands.