(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
PARIS – Authorities in several French cities have extended or imposed curfews following violence during weekend demonstrations, as security measures intensified ahead of another round of protests.
On Tuesday evening, officials in Paris and Lyon prolonged existing restrictions, while Marseille introduced a curfew specifically targeting minors.
According to French news outlet France Info, the Paris police prefecture expanded its curfew to Place de la République and sections of the Les Halles district, effective from 11 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Authorities also extended a ban on unauthorized gatherings from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. in several prominent locations, including areas surrounding the Élysée Palace, National Assembly, Senate, Champs-Élysées, Châtelet, and major railway stations.
In Lyon, officials extended the city center curfew from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. and moved the start of restrictions on public gatherings from 6 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Meanwhile, Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan announced a localized curfew for minors in parts of the city center, beginning at 10 p.m. Tuesday and lasting until 5 a.m. over the following days.
In Toulouse, authorities scheduled a curfew from Thursday through Sunday, covering midnight to 5 a.m.
Similar restrictions previously announced in Bordeaux and Nice will remain in effect.
The heightened security measures also affected sporting events.
The French Professional Football League announced that Saturday’s Ligue 2 match between Montpellier and Paris-based Red Star had been rescheduled to Monday following requests from authorities amid planned demonstrations.
The restrictions followed widespread protests across France over the weekend, which drew approximately 550,000 participants in 110 demonstrations nationwide.
Of the total, around 110,000 protesters gathered in Paris, while authorities reported approximately 400 arrests across the country.
French authorities have maintained heightened security measures in several urban centers as further demonstrations are expected.
