French police take to streets against attacks

PARIS — Angry French police have taken to the streets for five nights in a row — and Parisians have started to cheer them on, reviving scenes last seen following the Charlie Hebdo attacks in 2015.

The frustrated officers want reinforcements and stiffer penalties after a string of attacks on law enforcement, as the issue of safety feeds into France’s looming presidential race.

And the fifth night on Friday saw people applaud them, recalling the night in January 2015 when some four million people marched through Paris in a show of solidarity against terrorism.

Police wore orange armbands, as they walked along the Rue de Rivoli lit up by the headlights of cars halted by their demonstration, rallying from City Hall to the Place de la Bastille.

“We’ve had enough!” they shouted, calling for more resources and tougher penalties for those who attack police, 13 days after four of their colleagues were attacked in Viry-Chatillon, south of Paris.

Encouraging car horns or bicycle bells mix with foghorns and whistles blown by the protesting officers, in their civilian clothes.

Gone midnight, revellers poured out of bars onto the pavements — to raise a glass to the demonstrating police, and cheer them on.

“Bravo!” comes from a window up above. Those protesting look up and applaud them back.