Paris Police Chief Says Student Protests Are ‘Out of Control’

The Paris police chief said Saturday that the student protest movement spreading across France had become “out of control,” urging demonstrators to return to peaceful methods.

The chief warned that authorities would respond firmly to acts of violence and vandalism as the movement continued to spread nationwide.

His remarks combined an appeal for peaceful protest with a warning against destructive conduct. The stated threat of a firm response focused on violence and damage to property.

The comments did not specify what measures authorities would take or provide details of particular incidents behind the warning.