‘Freedom Caravan’ protesters enter Paris and cut off traffic before being dispersed with tear gas

The Arc de Triomphe is a common entry point into central Paris at the end of the famous Champs-Elysées. Motorcycles and small cars were still able to bypass the traffic, and a unit of riot police moved in to disperse the protesters.

Paris police said in a statement on Twitter that “no blocking will be tolerated” and that officers are also currently working to “disperse participants in the banned protests” near the Champs-Elysees.

Police said they had already intercepted 500 vehicles as of Saturday morning. Police said on Twitter that many were intercepted at checkpoints at various entry points into Paris as well as on the Champs Elysees. Five people were arrested and equipment was confiscated, and fines were imposed for carrying a slingshot and protective equipment.

Canada’s “Freedom Caravan” began at the end of January in Ottawa as an objection to a vaccine mandate that would require truck drivers entering the country to either be fully vaccinated or undergo testing and quarantine requirements. Other protesters then joined the protest against mandates for masks, lockdowns, restrictions on gatherings and other Covid-19 precautions.