[Anchor]

In France, where protests are turning into violent clashes, a night curfew has been declared. Such riot-like protests are now spreading to Italy.

Correspondent Kwon Yeongin reports from Paris.

[Reporter]

People dressed in black attempt to kick and break the glass windows of a store.

Employees inside the store retreat and can only watch.

At another store, individuals hurriedly flee carrying looted items.

On the 19th local time, protests protesting high inflation and other issues were held in Milan, Italy.

Clashes broke out in various places, prompting police to fire tear gas as physical scuffles ensued.

Italian authorities stated that 271 people were detained at the scene, among whom 28 were sent to prosecutors on charges including theft.

Protests continued not only in Milan but also in other cities such as Turin and Bologna.

In addition, protests by truck drivers demonstrating against high fuel prices spread, briefly blockading the Port of Naples.

France, which was left in chaos after extreme weekend clashes burned down parts of the city and some protesters looted shops, has pulled out the card of a night curfew.

In Paris, a night curfew was ordered from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM the following morning, focusing on areas where protests occurred.

The curfew targeted minors, as well as adults wearing masks or personal protective equipment.

Some cities with intense protests, such as Lyon, banned nighttime travel for all citizens regardless of age.

[Lecornu / French Prime Minister: One of the main objectives of this curfew measure is not only to protect the safety of citizens, but also to protect properties such as stores.]

The French government stated that this measure is intended to control the worsening pattern of violent protests, which is being interpreted as a step on par with declaring a state of emergency.