Lyon bans all October 24 protests after riots

Officials in Lyon have banned all protests in the French city on Saturday, October 24, after cost-of-living rallies last weekend were followed by clashes and looting.

The Rhone prefecture said the prefect had issued a decree banning protests in Lyon because of the events of October 17. The city, like Paris and other French cities, saw violence on the sidelines of mass rallies against high inflation.

Lyon Mayor Gregory Doucet said the city experienced hours of chaos, with between 150 and 200 shops looted and a tourist office set on fire. Police arrested about 200 people.

The Yellow Vest movement and unions have called for another round of nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living on October 24, and for a general strike and demonstrations on November 5.

French officials also ordered three nights of curfews this week in parts of Paris, Lyon and some other cities to protect shopping districts.