Hundreds of Vehicles Trying to Get into Paris to Protest COVID Restrictions (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Hundreds of cars arrived near Paris, on Friday evening, to take part in the Freedom Convoy, inspired by demonstrations in Canada.
Thousands of police were deployed in and around Paris on Friday to keep out convoys of motorists converging on the capital for a protest against COVID-19 restrictions.
Police said they stopped 500 vehicles that were trying to get into Paris on Saturday.
Police have mobilised thousands of officers, set up checkpoints and deployed armoured personnel carriers and water cannon trucks in preparation for the protests, according to France24.
Inspired by horn-blaring "Freedom Convoy" demonstrations in Canada, the motorists – from numerous cities across France – were seeking to defy a police order not to enter the city.
Gendarmerie armored vehicles have also been deployed in the streets of the capital for the first time since the Yellow Vest protests at the end of 2018.
Inspired by Canadian truckers paralysing border traffic with the United States, the demonstrators include anti-COVID vaccination activists, but also people angry at fast-rising energy prices.
Hundreds of cars, motorhomes and vans from Lille, Strasbourg, Chateaubourg and elsewhere stopped Friday evening at the gates of Paris, but a police source said no convoy had entered the capital.
Protesters are demanding a withdrawal of the government's vaccine pass, which is required for access to many public spaces, and more help with their energy bills.
