Azerbaijan criticises French police's harsh measures against protesters
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has expressed concern about the measures taken by the French police against the protesters.
“We are concerned by police violence and use of tear gas against protesters in some cities of France,” Caliber.Az quotes the Ministry as saying on its X page.
"Excessive use of force against the peaceful protesters who use their right to assembly and freedom of expression is unacceptable. We call on the French Government to urgently de-escalate the situation," the Ministry added.
According to reports by French media outlets, 3,000 people gathered in Paris on June 10 evening, at a demonstration against the far right, which made historic gains in the European elections on June 9. Other gatherings took place around the country.
In Marseille, France's second-largest city, which put the RN (Rassemblement National party) list in the lead in European elections, some 2,200 people had gathered, according to police, in front of the regional Police Prefecture. "The far right in power won't let it go, let's fight it now!" and "Popular Front: all united," proclaimed hastily-constructed placards. Numerous local elected representatives, in tricolour scarves, were present.
In Bordeaux, 2,800 people also gathered in Place de la Victoire to the beat of drums and the melody of "Bella Ciao." "I really don't understand this decision to dissolve the party. In three weeks, there can be no solid alliance against the RN," feared Muriel Jules, an 82-year-old pensioner.