France: Clashes reported in Île-de-France amid COVID-19 restrictions April 18-19

Event

Several localized clashes have been reported in Île-de-France over the weekend on Saturday April 18, and Sunday, April 19, following a motorcycle incident amid the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. On Saturday, police were reportedly involved in a motorcycle chase with an individual in Villeneuve-la-Garenne (Hauts-de-Seine department) resulting in the individual crashing the motorcycle and sustained a serious leg injury. Following the accident, multiple individuals gathered in Villeneuve-la-Garenne before clashing with local police. Several cars and bins were set on fire, and fireworks used against security forces, who responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd. Similar incidents were reported in Aulnay-sous-Bois (Seine-Saint-Denis department) on Sunday although it remains unclear whether or not they were linked to the same initial event.

Related clashes are possible in the near term.

Advice

Individuals in Paris and across France are advised to monitor developments relating to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.