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Over 1,800 Arrests as Protests Sweep France

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 2:23 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Laurent Nuñez Announces Arrests

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced over 1,800 arrests during nationwide protests on October 18.
Paris police recorded a record 855 arrests, including 346 adults and 171 minors.
Approximately 500 police officers were injured nationwide, with 107 in Marseille, three seriously.
President Emmanuel Macron kept Nuñez to preserve command stability after the resignation offer.

Summary

SAS Soldiers Challenge Arrests

Five SAS soldiers were arrested on bases in Syria and Iraq in 2022, starting a probe.
Police questioned the suspects but redeployed them to combat zones within 48 hours.
They stayed in limbo for three years before being told no charges would be filed.
They sent a letter to former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer alleging unlawful arrests.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said investigations are fair and procedures exist.

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Laurent Nuñez Announces Arrests

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced over 1,800 arrests during nationwide protests on October 18.
Paris police recorded a record 855 arrests, including 346 adults and 171 minors.
Approximately 500 police officers were injured nationwide, with 107 in Marseille, three seriously.
President Emmanuel Macron kept Nuñez to preserve command stability after the resignation offer.

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