In the language of the radical demonstrators, this is called “an action”. But to see the images circulating on social networks, we can speak of an attack here. On Wednesday, two security guards from the Mama Shelter hotel were violently attacked by thugs after the demonstration against the pension reform. The two men were beaten and targeted by projectiles as they tried to prevent protesters from entering the establishment. In the images taken by a local resident, the two men can be seen receiving cobblestones and chairs thrown by hooded demonstrators. The latter were trying to attack the windows of the brand new 4-star hotel on the Place des Lices. A scene as violent as it is rare. Usually, no one puts up resistance to the thugs.
According to information from Telegram, the two men were injured with hammer blows. A machete was even used and one of the officers was cut in the ear. According to him, he would have picked up the machete on the ground before using it to push back the demonstrators. One of the officers also reflected projectiles aimed at him at protesters, hitting some.
“It could have been much more serious”
When questioned, the police confirmed the facts and explained that they had intervened “as quickly as possible” to keep the radical individuals away. “We prevented the situation from degenerating. It could have been much more serious, ”recognizes the director of public security Luca Togni. Opened on March 2, the 119-room hotel has undoubtedly limited the damage thanks to the intervention of the two security guards. According to The Telegram, they plan to file a complaint.
Between 7,500 (according to the prefecture) and 15,000 people (according to the unions) marched in Rennes for this 8th day of mobilization against the pension reform. Incidents broke out along the route under the influence of “800 young people including 400 ultras” according to the prefect Emmanuel Berthier. The latter said that the police had made 23 arrests. Eighteen people were still in custody. Three police officers and a protester were injured according to the authorities.