Germany and Britain today, Monday, expressed their rejection of violence in the streets of France, urging their citizens present there to exercise caution, following waves of looting and vandalism in several areas of the country on the sidelines of protests.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) quoted a spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry as saying, "The images we have all seen cause us great concern," adding, "There is no place for violence in the streets of our democracies." The ministry, late Sunday evening, updated its travel and security recommendations for France, warning that "it cannot be ruled out that further demonstrations will take place, and violence may break out in some cases, in the coming days."
Travelers were also warned that recent amendments to French law mean they could face fines or charges related to causing damage if they fail to leave the site of a violent protest after being ordered to do so. For its part, the British government considered that "violence is unacceptable and cannot be justified," and British Prime Minister's spokesperson, Andy Burnham, told journalists: "Although the right to protest is at the heart of democracy, this in no way justifies violence."
The spokesperson also urged British citizens residing in France to "follow the guidelines issued by local authorities." The European Union had earlier today condemned the looting and vandalism witnessed in areas of France, calling for the protection of the right to peaceful protest and the necessity of distinguishing between peaceful protesters and those involved in acts of violence.
France is witnessing widespread protests against the rising cost of living and the deterioration of education and public services. Clashes with security forces and acts of looting and vandalism targeting shops and public buildings erupted in Paris and several French cities last Saturday. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that he had requested regional governors to impose an evening curfew today, clarifying that this measure would be limited in scope, specifically aimed at protecting shops, following scenes of chaos.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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