French authorities have launched an investigation into attempted murder against a police officer after Molotov cocktails were thrown at police during protests in Paris on Saturday. The demonstrations, led mainly by young people, ended in violent clashes and hundreds of arrests.
Around 320,000 citizens took to the streets of Paris, Marseille, Grenoble, Bordeaux, Lyon and Toulouse to protest against the high cost of living, the housing crisis, the deterioration of public services and the lack of economic prospects for young people.
Some of the protesters had chosen to take to the streets in Halloween costumes, but the atmosphere changed on Saturday evening, when after the rallies ended, groups of masked people clashed with the police.
French Interior Minister Laurent Núñez described the level of violence as "extraordinary." According to authorities, more than 770 people were arrested across the country.
The most serious incident was recorded in Paris, where incendiary devices were thrown at a group of about 15 police and gendarmes. The prosecutor's office announced the opening of an investigation into "attempted murder of persons in public authority."
The attack reportedly left two people injured with second-degree burns. The incident was filmed on mobile phones and the footage was shared on social media and broadcast on French television.
However, according to authorities, the level of physical violence and looting was lower compared to the protests of October 17, when 2,600 people were arrested and up to 3,000 shops were looted, in one of the most violent nights of urban unrest in recent French history.
This autumn's protests have highlighted the growing dissatisfaction of young people with economic and social conditions, while recent clashes have increased pressure on French authorities to guarantee public order without violating the right to protest.
