French police dispersed about 150 people with tear gas in Lyon on Saturday, Oct. 24, during nationwide cost-of-living demonstrations, as reports differed on whether the gathering was inside a restricted zone.
AFP reported that its journalist saw some participants briefly try to block a road. Euronews placed the crowd outside Lyon 3 University. Le Progrès reported that about 150 people were dispersed near the Manufacture des Tabacs, at the edge of the restricted area.
Ville de Lyon said an Oct. 23 prefectural order barred demonstrations, marches and protest gatherings on public streets in a broad central zone from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. UTC (10 a.m. to 11 p.m. CEST) on Oct. 24. Euronews described the gathering as inside the zone, while Le Progrès placed it at the boundary.
The city's security preparations came a week after disturbances in central Lyon on Oct. 17, according to Ville de Lyon. The city said crews had removed graffiti from more than 3,100 square meters of facades and street furniture in the Presqu’île by Oct. 23, covering 95% of marked surfaces. It also said protections around municipal buildings had been strengthened.
AFP reported that organizers called a general strike and further demonstrations for Nov. 5.
