Ahead of the 19th Saturday seeing Yellow Vests protests in France, troops have been mobilised to help the police focus on protecting public order in Paris. The military can go as far as opening fire if their life or the life of people they defend are threatened, Gen. Bruno Leray, Paris military governor, said Friday.
French police have banned protests on the Champs-Elysees and in its vicinity, which had been slated to take place this Saturday, 23 March, according to their statement. Similar precautionary measures have been taken by police in the French cities of Nice, Marseille and Metz.
A Sputnik correspondent in France is attending the protests in Paris.
Follow Sputnik feed to find out more.
READ MORE: French Gov't Replaces Paris Police Head After Weekend of Yellow Vests Riots — PM
The French government's spokesman, Benjamin Griveaux, announced earlier that Operation Sentinelle troops would be redeployed to protect public order at the Yellow Vest demonstrations expected on Saturday. These forces patrol streets and protect airports, train stations, places of worship and other sites; they were mobilised for anti-terrorism protection after the 2015 terrorist attacks.
Last Saturday's protest left Champs Elysees in Paris in tatters. The government fired Paris police chief Michel Delpuech and promised bans on demonstrations in certain areas, naming Champs Elysees and Capitol Square in Toulouse as examples. The prefecture of Haute-Garonne has already reportedly banned protests in Capitol Square this Saturday.
