PARIS: Authorities in France’s Savoie region said that 12 police officers were wounded in fights with protesters on Saturday after a peaceful demonstration against a high-speed rail project in the Alps descended into violence.
Around 2,000 people were in the Maurienne Valley protesting the building of a rail connection that included a tunnel between Lyon and the Italian city of Turin, including around 300 people in black clothing.
One protester was hurt as they threw rocks at riot police, who then used tear gas to disperse them, according to the local prefect Francois Ravier.
Late on Saturday, Association Les Soulevements de la Terre disputed that number on Twitter and said 50 protesters were injured, including six who were taken to the hospital.
Ravier stated, “The day is not over, we remain cautious and mobilised,” adding that there will be security into the night.
The number of police injuries was tweeted by interior minister Gerald Darmanin. 400 items, including knives and hammers, were discovered during border inspections, but only 96 people known to the security services were returned to Italy, according to the officials.
