France Bans All Protests in Lyon Ahead of Nationwide Demonstrations

French authorities have banned all protests in Lyon, the country’s third-largest city, ahead of nationwide demonstrations scheduled for Saturday following widespread violence during rallies last weekend.

 

The prefecture of the Rhône region announced the decision on Thursday, saying the ban was necessary in response to the unrest recorded on October 17.

 

“Given the events of October 17, the prefect has decided to ban by decree all protests in the city of Lyon this Saturday, October 24,” the prefecture said in a statement to the media.

 

Lyon, alongside Paris and other French cities, witnessed clashes and looting after masked youths took to city-centre streets during mass demonstrations against high inflation and the rising cost of living.

 

Lyon Mayor Gregory Doucet described the unrest in the city as hours of “chaos”, saying between 150 and 200 shops were looted and a tourist office was set on fire.

 

Police arrested about 200 people in connection with the violence.

 

The Yellow Vest movement and trade unions organising the protests have called for another round of nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living on Saturday. They have also announced plans for a general strike and further demonstrations on November 5.

 

Following last weekend’s unrest, French authorities imposed three nights of curfews in parts of Paris, Lyon and other cities to protect commercial districts and prevent further violence.