From Burning Bins to a Gendarme in Flames

A gendarme engulfed in flames on the streets of Paris: this is the disturbing reality of the violence that accompanied Saturday’s demonstrations in the French capital.

During the protests on 31 October, an incendiary device thrown towards security forces set fire to a gendarme’s protective equipment. Fortunately, he suffered only minor injuries. The outcome could have been far worse. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the attack as attempted murder.

The wider demonstrations against rising living costs and inequality were largely peaceful. That distinction matters. Peaceful protesters should not be held responsible for the actions of those who attack police officers. Equally, legitimate grievances cannot excuse such violence.

Burning bins and damaging property are already serious acts. When incendiary devices are thrown at people, human lives are placed directly at risk. No political slogan can justify that.

Those who minimise street violence should consider the person inside that burning uniform. Police officers have families, too. They are entitled to return home safely after carrying out their duties.

The right to protest deserves protection. So do the people whose job it is to keep those protests safe.