At least 61 gendarmes were injured, 22 seriously, late Saturday during an unauthorized demonstration against the construction of an agricultural dam in western France, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said.
In addition, two demonstrators were injured during the riots, which took place in the town of Sainte-Soline and resulted in six arrests.
The reservoir is part of a 16-pond project to be used for agricultural irrigation. Hundreds of farmers behind the project claim that the reservoirs will allow them to draw 70% less groundwater in the summer. Local residents and activists, on the other hand, fear that farmers could appropriate the water in the drought-stricken area.
French television showed hooded people as well as senior citizens and families with children. Security forces used tear gas. According to the prefecture, Molotov cocktails, stones, bottles and other projectiles were thrown at the officers.
