Police violence: protesters mobilized despite bans

Paris, Lille, Bordeaux ... Despite the bans, hundreds of French people mobilized this Saturday almost everywhere in the country - despite the restrictions linked to the Covid-19 - to demonstrate against police violence. A movement that echoes tributes to George Floyd in the United States, but also to Adama Traore, whose collective had already launched an appeal Tuesday in Paris.

In the capital, where calls for rallies had been launched near the United States embassy, ​​a large police force was set up from the Champs-Elysées roundabout to Place de la Concorde. Despite this, at least a thousand demonstrators were already present on the spot at the start of the afternoon.

VIDEO. Rally for Adama Traoré: 20,000 demonstrators gathered

“Black Lives f *** ing matter! Open the gates! ("The lives of blacks count, p **** n, open the barriers!"), Shouts Talu, an American who came to demonstrate near the barricaded embassy. "It's happening here in France, the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, South Africa ... It's everywhere. It is a fight against a system. A system that benefits a small percentage of the population, "she explains to the media, before setting off with a small procession chanting the name of George Floyd.

" No justice, no peace "

In Lille, more than a thousand people also gathered on the Place de la République in the early afternoon, chanting "No justice, no peace". Zyed, Bouna, Théo, Adama… Several names of young people who died during incidents with the police were mentioned on signs. The demonstrators then embarked on a peaceful march, avoiding the police blockages.

Signs and flags are ready for a peaceful march in the heart of Lille #BlackLivesMatter #JusticePourAdama #ViolencesPolicieres #Manifestation #Lille pic.twitter.com/t3DQoQiwll

On the Lyon side, a large crowd also gathered on Place Bellecour, before embarking on a march authorized by the prefecture, unlike many other cities. The Bordeaux demonstrators, them, decided to cross the quays of the city before joining the Consultat of the United States.

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Later events are also planned in Marseille, Nantes, or even in Paris, on the Champ-de-Mars, in the middle of the afternoon. The Paris police headquarters, however, announced its ban in a statement.

Meetings around the world

Around the world, protesters and activists are gathering, holding the "Black Lives Matter" sign in hand, to denounce the police violence after the death of George Floyd, which occurred two weeks ago.

In Sydney, Australia, a rally was allowed at the last minute, while the country still faces restrictions due to the health crisis. In total, several tens of thousands of people were on the street, leaving impressive images.

Listen to the chants! Pretty mesmerizing !! # BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/9h4ZQBkei2

In London, despite the reservations of the British government, demonstrators plan to meet in front of the Parliament, before demonstrating, Sunday, in front of the American embassy.