French Police Use Tear Gas to Disperse Gathering; 26 Arrested and Interrogated

French police deployed tear gas to disperse an unauthorized gathering where participants called for action against police brutality and solidarity against racism. More than 15,000 people gathered at the Republic Square in Paris.

Despite the event being pre-approved, police expressed concerns that participants might move into the Opera district, where the situation could escalate beyond control. The Parisien newspaper reports that the police arrested and interrogated 26 individuals, and by Saturday evening, protesters had dispersed.

Smaller protests also took place in Lyon and Marseille.