Chek't
Live: Protest at Paris town hall following violent clashes between eco-activists, law enforcement
Live from Paris on Thursday, March 30 where thousands are protesting outside the town hall after dozens were injured at a recent demonstration in Sainte-Soline.
Violent clashes took place in the town in western France on Saturday, as nearly 6,000 environmental activists protested against the construction of reservoirs, and were met with over 3,000 law enforcement officers.
Demonstrators used weapons, pétanque balls and explosives, while police deployed tear gas and water cannons.
French media outlets gave conflicting reports, with the authorities claiming that seven demonstrators and 28 officers were wounded, while organisers alleged that over 200 participants were injured, including one left in a coma. Two French journalists were also injured.
The Sainte-Soline agro-industry water dam project was announced 2018 and aims to store ground water in 16 reservoirs, with a total capacity of six million cubic metres, for use by local farmers. Environmental groups accuse the industry of 'water grabbing’, and set up protests camps in the area in October 2022.
The protest in Sainte-Soline took place alongside the ongoing nationwide pension reform demonstrations, which led to the cancellation of King Charles III’s official visit to the capital.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPfB6wX1fr4