France opens ‘attempted murder’ probe into petrol bomb attacks on police
French prosecutors have launched an investigation into attempted murder after petrol bombs were thrown at security forces during protests in Paris, with video of an officer in flames provoking public outrage.
The probe announced on Sunday came after the Paris police prefecture reported that several hundred rioters had attacked security forces with projectiles, including Molotov cocktails. Clashes erupted in Paris and other cities as hundreds of thousands of people staged a third weekend of protests against soaring living costs and deteriorating public services.
Video and images from the demonstrations showed a homemade incendiary device exploding at the feet of a security officer in protective gear, engulfing his lower body in flames. Prosecutors said the investigation was opened for 'attempted murder of persons vested with public authority'.
Violent Protests
While riots were less widespread than two weeks ago when France experienced some of its worst unrest in years, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the level of violence as 'extraordinary'. The gendarmerie reported that 13 members of the officer's unit were injured, with the injured officer describing being hit by 'significant incendiary devices'.
Ongoing Investigation
No suspects 'have been arrested at this stage in connection with the incident', the prosecutor's office said, adding that investigators were working to identify those responsible. More than 770 people were arrested across France, with 159 members of law enforcement injured during protests and Halloween celebrations.
The protests come in a tense political climate, with presidential elections six months away and far-right frontrunner Marine Le Pen vowing to restore law and order if elected next year. Le Pen said those responsible for the firebomb attack must be 'punished with the utmost severity'.
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