France Opens Attempted Murder Probe After Petrol Bomb Attack Amid Europe-Wide Protests

The update

Paris prosecutors have opened an attempted murder investigation after incendiary devices were thrown at about 15 gendarmes and police officers at Porte de Charenton, where Saturday’s march ended. Reported injuries included second-degree burns, with details still provisional. France’s interior ministry put nationwide turnout at 320,000 and reported 779 arrests during the demonstrations and Halloween night, down from 2,628 arrests on October 17.

Why it matters

The attack came as mainly youth-led protests over education, public services, housing and living costs erupted across France, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal and Albania. In Frankfurt, more than 100 police officers were injured and shops were damaged, while Lisbon protesters were cleared from Rossio Square early on Sunday. The unrest, now in its third weekend in France, underlines widening anger over prospects for young people.

What to watch

Investigators are still establishing the number and severity of injuries in Paris, and no suspect has been arrested over that attack. Governments in France and Germany have promised arrests and tough penalties for rioters, while protest organisers in Germany distanced themselves from the violence. Attention will turn to whether another weekend of demonstrations is called and how authorities balance policing with the underlying grievances.

Sources

• theguardian.com — confirms the Europe-wide protests, the Paris investigation, reported injuries and French arrest figures
• dw.com — confirms the attempted murder investigation, the 779 arrests, turnout estimates and Paris custody figures