80-YR.-OLD RIOT VICTIM
Killed by tear gas canister as she tries to close Marseille window
French President Emmanuel Macron canceled a planned two-day trip to Serbia this week following the horrific death of an elderly woman during a weekend of protests that turned violent.
An 80-year-old woman trying to close a window in her apartment in the southern France city of Marseille was fatally struck with a tear gas canister Saturday during demonstrations over fuel tax hikes. The source of the canister was unclear.
She was taken to the hospital, where she died during an operation after suffering shock, BBC News reported.
Three others have been killed in the protests, which started more than two weeks ago. More than 130 people were injured during Paris protests over the weekend and more than 400 have been arrested.
About 136,000 people participated in the nationwide protests Sunday to show support for the “gilets jaunes” movement, which translates to yellow vests. The name is a nod to the neon safety vests that activists are protesting in, apparel that French motorists are required to carry in their vehicle by law.
The protests that sparked three weekends ago with motorists up in arms over fuel tax increases have escalated to now include complaints that the government under Macron’s leadership isn’t responsive to the struggles of ordinary people. The high cost of living in general is among the issues.
Christophe Chalencon, speaking for the “yellow vest” movement, has called for the government to resign and be replaced with “a true commander, like Gen de Villiers.”
Gen Pierre de Villiers is a former leader of the French armed forces who quit after budget cut disagreements.
According to the Anadolu Agency, “demonstrators, who generally live in rural areas due to the rents in the city center, have demanded from President Emmanuel Macron a reduction in fuel taxes and to make economic arrangements that will ease their lives.”
Protesters have been setting vehicles and trash on fire, as well as throwing bottles and stones at the police. The Arc de Triomphe, one of the most famous monuments in Paris, has also been vandalized with graffiti.
“French people need to be heard again, and for that we must organize a referendum to decide these issues. Only these measures will restore calm,” said Laurent Wauquiez, head of France’s conservative party, the Republicans.
Macron was set to meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday, but both agreed to reschedule the trip after a Monday phone conversation due to the trouble.
The French president met with police units Monday who are responsible for maintaining order at the demonstrations. Paris’ chief of police has said that officers have had to deal with demonstrators armed with hammers, gardening tools, rocks and aerosol cans.