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More than 100 arrests as Paris scuffles precede climate summit

Arrests followed a peaceful protest in which 10,000 people formed 3km human chain along the route of a cancelled march against climate change.

La rédaction de Mediapart

This article is freely available.

French police say they have arrested at least 100 people following scuffles in the centre of Paris, reports euronews.

Some 10,000 people gathered to form a three-kilometre human chain through the city along the route of a cancelled march against climate change.

Although the event was mostly peaceful, clashes erupted in Place de la République between some 200 people and the police shortly afterwards.

Demonstrations in the capital have been temporarily banned under the nationwide state of emergency declared following the deadly Paris attacks on November 13.

Police say 24 activists suspected of planning violent protests have been placed under house arrest in accordance with the state of emergency rules.

Earlier on Sunday (November 29), tens of thousands of pairs of shoes were laid out on the same square to represent those who had planned to join the march.

The rally was planned to coincide with the eve of the United Nations’ COP 21 climate change conference.

Read more of this report from euronews.

See also:
Mediapart's coverage (in French) of the peaceful protest here
Mediapart's coverage of the climate protest ban here