Protests in France broke out with beatings, smashing, looting and burning! In 2014, the city hall was set on fire and a 17-year-old boy's right hand was blown off.

The Limoges City Hall in France was set on fire on the 17th. Flames engulfed the roof and firefighters rushed to save it. (AFP)

Nationwide demonstrations broke out in France on October 17 to protest against the rising cost of living and public service problems. Subsequently, arson, looting of shops, and clashes between police and citizens occurred in some cities. In the central city of Limoges, a city hall built in 1883 was set on fire. The roof collapsed and the outer wall was severely damaged. In the eastern city of Saint-Étienne, a 17-year-old boy's right hand was broken off by a riot grenade during the conflict.

Reuters reported that there were about 110 demonstrations held across France that day. The French government estimated that about 550,000 people participated, and the unions estimated that 800,000 people took to the streets. Most demonstrations were originally peaceful, but violence broke out in some cities during or after the demonstrations, and shops and public buildings were damaged.

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Agence France-Presse reported that a 17-year-old boy in Shengdetian had his right hand blown off by a riot grenade used by the police. He was seriously injured and was subsequently sent to the hospital for emergency treatment. As a result, the French police's law enforcement methods have attracted attention, and the relevant cases have been handed over to the National Police Inspectorate (IGPN) for investigation. At this stage, the report should focus on the juvenile's injury and the progress of the investigation. It is not appropriate to further infer responsibility for the incident before the results of the investigation are released.

Limoges city hall was set on fire in demonstration-related violence. Agence France-Presse reported that local officials pointed out that the roof of the building had collapsed to the lower floor, except for the west wing, and about two-thirds of the exterior wall had disappeared. The historic building, which was opened in 1883, was severely damaged. Local officials described the incident as a cultural heritage catastrophe; the actual extent of the damage to the building is still being assessed.

Hermès, LV, and Apple were all hit, and famous stores were broken into and looted.

Stores were vandalized, looted and vehicles set on fire in Paris and other cities. Affected stores include boutique brands such as Hermès and Louis Vuitton (LV), as well as Apple directly-operated stores. Doors and windows were broken into some stores, and merchandise was looted. Related incidents have drawn further attention to the security issues arising from the demonstrations.

French President Emmanuel Macron said those involved in acts of violence and vandalism will be held accountable. A follow-up report from Agence France-Presse pointed out that French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said later that day that the police had arrested more than 1,200 people and 150 police officers were injured.

A demonstration against the rising cost of living broke out in Bordeaux, France on the 17th. A demonstrator wearing a red mask ran amidst tear gas and held a French flag. (AFP)