Over 500 arrested in France amid protests against pension reform

Over 855 people have been arrested during demonstrations against the recently passed pension reform, without being voted on in parliament, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said.

“Since Thursday, 855 people have been detained in France, including 729 in Paris. Some 843 people have been placed in custody,” the Minister told BFMTV broadcaster.

The move sparked a wave of indignation among lawmakers who declared the “end of democracy”.

Demonstrations erupted in Paris after the bill was adopted, and for two days in a row, protesters staged demonstrations in the Place de la Concorde in Paris Bourbon, the seat of the National Assembly.

The demonstrations turned into clashes between police and protesters.