More than 20,000 protesters took part in the French capital, while around 6,000 attended in Lyon. 
 At least 3,300 people reportedly joined the demonstration in Marseille, which was led by LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon.   Photo: EFE

Paris, March 23 (RHC)-- Tens of thousands of people demonstrated this Saturday in France against racism and hate speech promoted by far-right parties, in the context of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, while organizations denounced police repression of the protest.

According to press reports, around 100 demonstrations against racism and discrimination took place nationwide, some of which included calls for the freedom of Palestine and an immediate end to the Zionist genocide in Gaza and the West Bank.

In Paris, the mobilization covered the stretch between Place de la République and Place de la Nation. Prominent among the marches were the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) union and the political organization La France Insoumise (LFI).

More than 20,000 protesters attended the march in the French capital, while around 6,000 attended in Lyon.   At least 3,300 people reportedly joined the march in Marseille, which was led by LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

According to reports, in Paris, near the Place de la Bastille, clashes broke out between groups of protesters and police officers. Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters.

According to the National Advisory Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH), the number of racist, xenophobic, or anti-religious crimes and misdemeanors recorded in France increased by 58 percent in 2023 compared to 2019.

Many of those who demonstrated this Saturday believe that the far right is responsible for creating a climate conducive to the increase in racist crimes and misdemeanors.

[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]