MADRID, 30 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
At least 61 gendarmes have been injured, 22 seriously, late this Saturday during an unauthorized demonstration against the construction of an agricultural reservoir in western France, according to French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.
In addition, two demonstrators were injured during the riots, which occurred in the town of Sainte-Soline, which also resulted in six detainees.
The reservoir is part of a project of 16 ponds to be used for agricultural irrigation. Hundreds of farmers behind the project claim that the reservoirs will allow them to extract 70% less groundwater in the summer. Local residents and activists, on the other hand, fear that farmers could appropriate the water in the drought-affected area.
French television showed hooded people as well as elderly people and families with children. The security forces used tear gas. According to the prefecture, Molotov cocktails, stones, bottles and other projectiles were thrown at the agents.
