1,000 people arrested in protests against French labor reform since March

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve on Thursday announced that 1,000 people have been arrested since March, after renewed nationwide rallies against proposed reform turned violent.

Addressing the Senate, Cazeneuve said riot police arrested 1,000 of trouble makers during the different actions against labor reform which began in March with "hundreds of individuals have been or will be judged."

He added that 300 police officers have been wounded during violent standoff with a group of "breakers."

Earlier on Thursday, violent clashes were reported across French cities where thousands of people voiced their opposition to loosen labor rules.

In Toulouse, southwestern France nine people were arrested following clashes with police. Six others in Nantes, west France and at least two in Paris were also arrested, according to police.

"There is no complacency. There is a total government's firmness and determination to not let these groups acting," Cazeneuve said.
 [Xinhua - globaltimes.cn]
13/5/16