Protesters and French police clash over farm reservoir.
French police clashed with protesters opposing a large water reservoir for farm irrigation in the western rural district of Sainte-Soline, despite a ban on gatherings in the area. Police fired tear gas to repel some protesters who threw fireworks and other projectiles. Two protesters were seriously hurt, including one who is in a critical condition after suffering a head injury, as well as 16 police officers. Around 3,200 police were deployed for the demonstration, and the heavy police presence included helicopters and squads riding quads. The protest over the irrigation project comes after weeks of demonstrations in France against a pension reform that have turned violent since the government pushed through the legislation without a final parliamentary vote.