Paris shopkeepers prepare for new protests after weekend vandalism

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 09:44 · Archive

Shopkeepers in Paris are preparing for fresh protests scheduled for Saturday, after last weekend saw vandalism and looting.

Shopkeepers in Paris are preparing for fresh protests scheduled for Saturday following last weekend's demonstrations, which saw vandalism and looting in the capital and other French cities. Some are considering closing their shops, while others plan to stay open.

The Daily Mail reports that gun shops in Paris have experienced a surge in demand as customers seek self-defence weapons. Yves Gollety, owner of the Armurerie de la Bourse gun shop, told The Times that demand had risen eight to ten times. Most customers were buying gel canisters costing €50 to €60 or more powerful pistol-shaped weapons costing €500, which fire a concentrated jet of irritant that makes it difficult to breathe and causes streaming eyes and forced closure of eyelids.

Gollety argued that these devices were safer than weapons used by protesters, such as iron bars and fireworks. In France, these irritant devices can be bought without a permit, while firearms are subject to stricter controls. The purchases reflect customers' loss of confidence in police protection for their businesses and homes.

How it is being reported

• France braces for day of far-Left chaos: Shopkeepers and terrified civilians arm themselves ahead of rioting and looting expected in Paris when protests return tomorrowShopkeepers and terrified civilians are arming themselves in Paris ahead of fresh protests scheduled for this weekend.Daily Mail · 23 Oct, 09:31
• French shopkeepers fear new looting in upcoming protestsIn Paris, shopkeepers fear further losses ahead of a demonstration planned for next Saturday. After last weekend’s protests saw scenes of vandalism, some are considering closing their shops, while others plan to stay open.France 24 · 22 Oct, 16:51

In this story: Paris · France · Yves Gollety · Armurerie de la Bourse

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