Parisians buy pepper spray, tear gas for self-defense ahead of protests
by@Reuters
Summary
In response to ongoing nationwide protests over high prices and declining public services, some Parisians are purchasing tear gas and pepper spray for self-defense, as violence has escalated during recent demonstrations. The owner of a weapons shop in Paris reported a substantial increase in sales of non-lethal weapons, noting that his customers include shopkeepers and individuals concerned about the riots that included the burning of a town hall and looting of shops. With the French government deploying 70,000 police for the upcoming protests and only permitting a union demonstration in Paris, the heightened fear among the public illustrates the volatile atmosphere in the city.
Analysis
Yves Gollety: Yves Gollety owns the Armurerie de la Bourse weapons shop in Paris and serves as president of the national association of gunsmiths. He has publicly described a significant increase in sales of non-lethal weapons to a broad range of customers including shopkeepers and individuals seeking protection. Gollety has emphasized that such products are intended solely for self-defense amid expected weekend protests. Alain Di Crescenzo: Alain Di Crescenzo is the president of France's chamber of commerce. He has urged shopkeepers to avoid using weapons for business defense and expressed concern over reports of individuals arming themselves with improvised items. Di Crescenzo highlighted the risks of escalating violence during the current period of social unrest. Armurerie de la Bourse: Armurerie de la Bourse is a weapons shop located in central Paris. Its owner has reported a sharp rise in demand for non-lethal self-defense products such as pepper spray and tear gas cannisters following recent unrest. The shop is directly affected by heightened public concerns over safety during ongoing protests. Protests: Nationwide protests in France over high prices and declining public services have erupted into riots and clashes with police in multiple cities. Government Response: Authorities have authorized only a union demonstration in Paris for Saturday while rejecting other rally requests and committing to enhanced security deployments.
Categories
macropolitics