France Allows Forces to Open Fire at Yellow Vests

French security forces will be allowed to open fire if lives are threatened during the Yellow Vest rallies to be held this weekend in Paris, according to media reports.

News ID: 444009

Date: 24 March 2019 - 09:57

RNA - Gen. Bruno Leray, military governor of Paris, told Franceinfo radio on Friday that the army will assist 5,000 police officials to ensure order during the protests.

He stated that security forces could "open fire" should their lives or those of civilians are in danger.

French police announced that no demonstrations would be allowed in Champs-Elysees and the protestors would be kept away from the streets surrounding Arc de Triomphe boulevard.

Yellow Vest protests began four months ago as a reaction to rising fuel costs. However, the demonstrations later turned into anti-government riots.

The protests have left 11 people dead and more than 2,000 injured, according to French government. Some 8,400 people have been arrested for the demonstrations and 2,000 sentenced to prison.

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