France: Police disperse anti-G7 summit protests in Bayonne August 24 /update 2

Event

Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in Bayonne on Saturday, August 24, where demonstrators reportedly threw rocks other objects at police. The clashes followed an earlier protest march from Hendaye to Irun (Spain), led by gilets jaunes, Basque and Catalan nationalist groups, and a number of political activist groups. 

Further demonstrations are expected in and around Biarritz through Monday, August 26, where heavy security presence and restrictive security zones are in place amid the G7 summit. Similar violent clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out. Significant delays for individuals crossing the French-Spanish border are possible as a result of the expected increased police presence.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, anticipate associated disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.