French prosecutors have opened an attempted murder investigation after a petrol bomb was thrown at security forces during clashes at a protest in Paris, following demonstrations against the rising cost of living.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 31, near Porte de Charenton in eastern Paris, where a homemade incendiary device exploded at the feet of a mobile gendarme, setting parts of his protective equipment alight. Images of the attack showed flames engulfing the officer’s lower body.
The Paris prosecutor’s office said explosive devices had been thrown at about 15 gendarmes and police officers. It confirmed that an investigation had been opened over the alleged attempted murder of public officials. Initial reports of injuries included second-degree burns, although authorities said an assessment was still ongoing.
No suspects had been arrested in connection with the petrol bomb attack as of Sunday, November 1. Investigators were working to identify those responsible. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez condemned the violence, describing the level of aggression by some protesters as extraordinary.
The attack happened during the third weekend of nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs and inequality. Although many of the marches were peaceful, clashes broke out in Paris and other cities as some groups confronted security forces.
France’s Interior Ministry reported 779 arrests nationwide during the demonstrations and Halloween night. The government had deployed about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes to manage the protests. The turnout was estimated at 320,000 people, while organisers put participation at nearly 500,000.
The latest violence has added to pressure on French authorities as protests continue over economic hardship and government policies. Earlier demonstrations also resulted in clashes, looting and damage to businesses, prompting tighter security measures and restrictions on some gatherings. TheDailyNewsHub previously reported on France’s restrictions on fresh protests following earlier unrest.
READ ALSO: TheDailyNewsHub’s earlier report on France’s protest restrictions.
Prosecutors said investigations into the Paris attack were continuing, with authorities seeking to establish who threw the incendiary device and determine the full extent of the injuries.