French convoys protesting virus rules move toward Paris
CTV
Protesters angry over pandemic restrictions drove toward Paris in scattered convoys of camper vans, cars and trucks Friday in an effort to blockade the French capital, despite a police ban.
From the Mediterranean coast to the northern city of Lille, the protesters organized their "freedom convoys" online, galvanized in part by truckers who have blockaded Canada's capital and blocked border crossings. The French action has no single leader or goal, and comes as months of protests against French government vaccination rules have been waning.
Paris region authorities deployed more than 7,000 police officers to tollbooths and other key sites to try to prevent a blockade. They threatened heavy fines and other punishments for those who defy the protest ban, which authorities said was necessary to prevent "risk to public order."
Railing against France's vaccination pass required to enter restaurants and many other venues, protesters waved French flags from their car windows and honked at onlookers. The convoys sought to avoid police detection by traveling local roads instead of the major highways leading into Paris.
It was unclear whether they would be able to enter Paris and join protests planned in the city Saturday.
