France sets up checkpoints against 'freedom convoy' protestors, conducts arrests
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French police have already blocked 500 vehicles trying to enter Paris.
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December 5, 2020: A protest which turned violent. A protester holds a sign that reads, “When is the vaccine against police violence?” (Getty Images)
French police blocked 500 vehicles trying to enter Paris. The trucks, trying to get to Paris, were defying a police order prohibiting them for the time being, as the trucks were making their way to participate in protests against COVID-19 restrictions.
The protests were inspired by "Freedom Convoy" trucker blockades in Canada.
Over 200 civilians driving motorcycles were also fined, and many convoys were blocked from entering the city. Two protestors, if not more, were detained, and knives, hammers, and other objects were found in their possession and confiscated.
The protests, supposed to take place over the weekend, saw the authorities mobilizing some 7,000 officers in the city. Police have set up checkpoints and deployed armored personnel, and have set up water cannons to attack protestors in the city.
Read more: US urges Canada to use "federal powers", end "freedom convoy" protests
France will require a vaccination pass to enter restaurants and other places.
Many protestors waved French flags, shouting "freedom". Their protest was organized online and inspired by Canadian protestors.
In The Hague, the Netherlands, tens of trucks, in addition to other vehicles, have also protested on Saturday morning as part of the "freedom convoy". Protestors shouted the words in Dutch, "Love & freedom, no dictatorship".
