PARIS – Thousands of individuals protested in Paris and different French cities on Saturday against a compulsory coronavirus health pass for entry to a wide selection of public venues, launched by the federal government because it battles a fourth wave of infections.

Protesters injured three law enforcement officials in Paris, a police spokesperson mentioned. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin mentioned on Twitter that 19 demonstrators had been arrested, together with 10 in Paris.

It was the third weekend in a row that individuals against President Emmanuel Macron’s new COVID-19 measures have taken to the streets, an uncommon present of willpower at a time of 12 months when many individuals are centered on taking their summer time break.

The variety of demonstrators has grown steadily because the begin of the protests, echoing the “yellow vest” motion, that began in late 2018 against gasoline taxes and the price of dwelling.

An inside ministry official mentioned 204,090 had demonstrated throughout France, together with 14,250 in Paris alone. This is about 40,000 greater than final week.

“We’re creating a segregated society and I think it is unbelievable to be doing this in the country of human rights,” mentioned Anne, a instructor who was demonstrating in Paris. She declined to present her final title.

A protester holds an indication studying “No to health pass” throughout an indication known as by the “yellow vest” (gilets jaunes) motion against France’s restrictions, together with a obligatory health pass, to battle the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) outbreak, in Paris, France, July 31, 2021. Reuters

“So I took to the streets; I have never protested before in my life. I think our freedom is in danger.”

Visitors going to museums, cinemas or swimming swimming pools are already denied entry if they can’t produce the health pass exhibiting they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have had a current unfavorable take a look at.

Parliament authorised a brand new regulation this week that can make vaccinations obligatory for health staff and prolong the health pass requirement to bars, eating places, commerce exhibits, trains and hospitals.

A protester holds an indication studying “Vaccinated to freedom”, throughout an indication known as by the “yellow vest” (gilets jaunes) motion against France’s restrictions, together with a obligatory health pass, to battle the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) outbreak, in Paris, France, July 31, 2021. Reuters

About 3,000 law enforcement officials had been deployed in the capital, with anti-riot officers striving to maintain demonstrators on licensed routes.

Authorities sought to keep away from a repeat of occasions final week, when scuffles between police and demonstrators broke out on the Champs-Elysees. 

Protesters had been additionally out in different cities like Marseille, Lyon, Montpelier, Nantes and Toulouse, shouting “Freedom!” and “No to the health pass!”.

A protester holds an indication studying “stop” throughout an indication known as by the “yellow vest” (gilets jaunes) motion against France’s restrictions, together with a obligatory health pass, to battle the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) outbreak, in Paris, France, July 31, 2021. Reuters



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