a tense mobilization in La Rochelle

In the city center of La Rochelle, in Charente-Maritime, demonstrators took up position behind a makeshift barricade facing the police and gendarmes. The latter tried to disperse the procession with tear gas and baton blows. In the clashes on Saturday, July 20, four anti-bassines activists and four members of the police force were injured. The demonstration, which had been banned, was peaceful. The calm was disrupted by 500 black blocs, some from Belgium, Italy and Germany, who destroyed street furniture and signs. In total, seven people were arrested.

These incidents contrast with the rest of the procession, which circulated in a more peaceful atmosphere, with the support of some local residents. Their goal was to return to the port of La Pallice, the second largest exporter of cereals in France. They consider that the major players in the sector are complicit in the construction of the mega basins. Between 6,000 and 10,000 demonstrators were counted.