Malaysians in France advised to be alert after violent protests

Yellow vests protesters face riot police as they demonstrate against rising oil prices and living costs, on December 1, 2018 in Paris. -AFP

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians in France are advised to maintain vigilance following a wave of violent clashes between "yellow vest" protesters and police in the country, over the rising cost of fuel.

The Malaysian embassy in Paris reminded Malaysians to monitor news reports and announcements from local authorities about the "yellow vest" protest, on Dec 1.

"Stay safe and maintain constant vigilance," it said on its Facebook page on Saturday night (Dec 1).

Reuters reported that the authorities were caught off guard by the escalation in violence after two weeks of nationwide protests against fuel taxes and living costs, known as the "yellow vest" movement after fluorescent jackets kept in all vehicles in France.

It said rioters had ran amok across central Paris on Saturday, torching cars and buildings, looting shops, smashing windows and clashing with police.

Protesters had also smashed the windows of a newly opened flagship Apple Store and luxury boutiques of Chanel and Dior.

It was said to be the worst unrest in more than a decade.

In Paris, police said they had arrested close to 300 people while 110 were injured, including 20 members of the security forces.

Police had also fired stun grenades, tear gas and water cannon at protesters at the top of the Champs-Elysees boulevard, at the Tuilleries Garden near the Louvre museum and other sites.

Reuters added that unrest had also erupted in several towns and cities across France, from Charleville Mezieres in the northeast to Marseille in the south.

In the Riviera city of Nice trucks blocked access to the airport, and in the central town of Puy-en-Velay the police headquarters was set on fire.- Star