French Authorities Impose Temporary Ban on Public Gatherings and Protests in Marseille

London, October 19 (KUNA) -- French authorities announced on Monday the imposition of a temporary ban on public gatherings and demonstrations in the southern city of Marseille, following protests that swept across France over the weekend. The prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône department, who is responsible for security measures and administrative decisions in the city, issued a decree banning public gatherings between 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m. local time. The prefect revealed that 107 police officers were injured during the looting and violence in Marseille, where groups stormed the city hall before police could regain control. Earlier on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron rejected the resignation of Interior Minister Laurent Nunez and urged him to find new ways to deal with rioters. France witnessed last Friday the most violent protests in years across various regions, in protest of rising living costs, deteriorating services, and other issues. French police attempted to disperse the demonstrators, while some temporarily took control of municipal buildings, and others set fire to and looted property in approximately 1,500 shops and elsewhere. The events led to the arrest of more than 2,400 people, while the French president pledged to hold accountable anyone involved in burning government buildings and looting public and private property during the wave of violent protests that swept through several cities. (End) ash / n a a