Violence Erupts In France amid Presidential Vote: Burned-Out Cars, Police Brutality
Local Editor
Protests, violence and vandalism flared up in Paris as results of the first round of the tight presidential race were being counted, footage captured by RT's Ruptly agency showed.
Disillusioned French youth protested what many of them see as a political "masquerade."
AFP reported that at least five vehicles were burned out in the Saint-Martin-République area.
Several hundred young people gathered on the Place de la Bastille in the center of the French capital on Sunday night after the announcement of preliminary results, AFP reported.
"We came to protest against the masquerade that represents this election," a protester told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The demonstration, dubbed #NuitDesBarricades [Night of the Barricades] against both Macron and Le Pen, soon resulted in clashes between protesters and police. At least two protesters, including a 15-year-old girl, were reportedly injured in the scuffles.
Police said that demonstrators were throwing projectiles, bottles and firecrackers at the officers. At least three people were arrested, according to a police prefecture. Police, in turn, deployed tear gas against the demonstrators.
An organizer of the rally reportedly called upon everyone to come to protest "against Marine and against Macron."
"Whatever the outcome, we will not recognize the [the results]!" he shouted via the microphone.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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