Familiar images of teargas clouds drifting across Paris squares, police baton charges against masked protesters and terrified teenagers floored – and worse – by stun grenades have once again focused the world’s attention on France’s policing methods.
While most of its western European neighbours generally favour police tactics that prioritise crowd containment and de-escalation, France has long responded to social movements that take to the streets with, at times, shocking physical force.
But they do possess an elan others lack.
I guess the French police weren’t kidding they beating them asses tonight . https://t.co/yWH4b30wic
— 0HOUR1 (@ZEER0HOUR) October 20, 2026
Only at the Guardian
