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Over 100,000 people took part in Saturday’s rallies in France — interior minister

Last Saturday, when the number of participants neared 244,000

© AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu

PARIS, November 24. /TASS/. About 106,300 people took part in Saturday’s rallies against the rise in fuel prices, organized all across France by "gilets jaunes" (yellow vests) protesters, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told BFM-TV and several other internet media outlets.

"As the rallies on the country’s territory reached their peak at about midday on Saturday, about 106,300 people were taking part in them. This is way fewer than last Saturday, when the number of participants neared 244,000. In total, protesters organized 1,619 rallies in France. 130 people were detained and placed in custody," he said.

"We would like to point out that protests in the country were slightly different this Saturday. Among other things, there were fewer reports about shopping malls being blocked. And, there were also fewer victims," the interior minister added.

However, he said that in some areas, clashes were more violent than last week. For example, rioters threw stones at police and fire crews in the city of Villefranche in southeastern France.

"Violence was also reported in Paris, where ultra-right activists joined the manifestation. However, despite their effort, the number of victims is minimal for this kind of situation, because our law enforcement officers responded with professionalism," the official said.

Meanwhile, Paris police department’s spokesperson Johanna Primevert said the situation on the Champs Elysees, where police and protesters clashed throughout the day, has now returned to normal.

"The Champs Elysees were cleared from protesters and barricades, traffic has been restored," Primevert was quoted as saying by BFM-TV.

According to city authorities, about 5,000 yellow vests took part in the clashes. The overall number of protesters in the French capital is estimated at about 8,000.

The police spokesperson said 42 people were detained on the Champs Elysees. 19 people were slightly injured. Another protestor was probably seriously wounded in the arm.

Commenting on Saturday’s protests, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned violence and thanked law-enforcement officers for their courage and professionalism.

"Shame to those who attacked law-enforcement forces. Shame to those who harmed other citizens and journalists. Shame to those who threatened elected officials. There is no place in the republic for such violence," he wrote.

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