France Students Protest: Amid the ongoing protests in France, Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of Saint-Denis, in an attempt to save the protesters, stood between them and the police officials. In a viral video, Bagayoko is seen asking the officials to not take violent action against the students. However, he was later seen leaving the protesting site after the officials used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
'My Responsibility To Save Them'
While talking to the news agency Reuters, Bagayoko, a member of the hard-left France Unbowed party (LFI), stated that he was trying to protect his residents. The mayor further alleged that the protesters were not harming the officials, adding that brutal action was not required.
"They had decided to charge and effectively go after the students, many of whom had shown no aggressive behaviour whatsoever toward the police officers," Bagayoko was quoted as saying by Reuters. The mayor further stated that it was his responsibility to protect the students.
"The high school children who were in the street could be my children...it is my responsibility to be at their side," the mayor added. In a post on X, he stated that the police used excessive force against the students who just wanted to be heard.
'Disproportionate Use Of Force'
"I witnessed a totally disproportionate use of force against young people who are simply asking to be heard. I am calling on the Interior Minister: the directives must be urgently reviewed before a tragedy occurs," Bagayoko said in his post. He further urged the protesters to stay united and not use violent methods, adding that the authorities must listen to their demands.
The protesters have been demanding better facilities at the schools, including clean washrooms, better seating arrangement, and equal opportunities. The authorities have arrested over 6,000 such protesters till now, while several others were left injured.