Undermanned police during demonstration

A police officer who was present during the demonstration in Bordeaux on October 17 testified on Sud Radio, describing an undermanned deployment during the event. The officer was mobilized from noon and finished his shift around 3 am.

Discrepancy in participant numbers

The officer stated that the organizers had announced 500 to 600 participants, but the actual number was much higher. This discrepancy may have contributed to the challenges faced by the police during the demonstration.

Violent incidents during the protest

During the demonstration, the officer reported incidents involving mortar fire, Molotov cocktails, and fires. A total of 63 injuries were reported, and 4,000 grenades were used to disperse the crowd.

Allegations of police misconduct

Allegations of police violence and disproportionate use of force have been made against the police. The officer emphasized the importance of not picking up grenades, as they can cause serious injuries, and noted the need for the police to distinguish between demonstrators and those seeking confrontation.

Looting in Bordeaux

During the night, starting at 6-7 pm, looters entered strategic stores in Bordeaux, including luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Galerie Lafayette. This further escalated the situation and led to additional damage and security concerns.