80 hurt, dozens arrested in Paris protests against high living costs

A demonstrator throws a metal barrier nearthe Arc de Triomphe in Paris during a ‘yellow vest’ protest on Saturday. (Lucas Barioulet/AFP/Getty Images)

(CBC Online) – A French protest against rising taxes and the high cost of living turned into a riot Saturday in Paris as police fired tear gas and water cannon in street battles with activists wearing the fluorescent yellow vests of a new movement.

Police said at least 80 people, including 16 police officers, were injured in violent protests in the French capital, and 183 others were arrested. Thousands of police were deployed in Paris to try to contain the protests.

It was the third straight weekend of clashes in Paris, and the scene contrasted sharply with protests Saturday in other French regions, where demonstrations and road blockades were largely peaceful.

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