By Our Reporter
French authorities have arrested 135 people nationwide amid protests, deployed tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Lyon and extended nighttime curfews for unaccompanied minors in several northern cities.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez disclosed that 135 arrests had been recorded across the country as of 1 p.m. local time on Saturday, according to French broadcaster BFMTV.
The authorities also extended curfew restrictions initially imposed in Lille, Denain, Douai and Wattignies until Monday morning, while expanding them to Marly and Valenciennes.
Under the restrictions, unaccompanied minors are prohibited from being outdoors in designated areas between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. The affected zones include large parts of central Lille.
In Lyon, police fired tear gas to disperse a gathering of approximately 150 people near Lyon 3 University. The demonstration, which mainly involved young people, lasted about 20 minutes before security personnel broke it up, describing it as an unauthorised march.
Authorities subsequently banned demonstrations in several parts of Lyon, citing concerns over further unrest.
Tensions were also reported in Grenoble, where individuals attempting to block the A480 motorway caused a collision involving two vehicles. Two people sustained minor injuries, BFMTV reported.
Meanwhile, police in Paris conducted 635 security checks as part of efforts to prevent potential disturbances. Officers reportedly seized several items, including a knife, an angle grinder, filtered masks and diving goggles.
Authorities in Montpellier, Nancy, Caen and Annecy also rejected applications to organise demonstrations.
In Nice, nearly 10 people had been arrested by midday over the alleged possession of knuckle-dusters and protective equipment, according to the broadcaster.
The latest arrests and restrictions reflect heightened security measures across several French cities as authorities move to contain demonstrations and prevent further disturbances.