The world-renowned photojournalist Reza Deghati has sustained an arm injury while covering protests in Paris.

Axar.az informs that he shared this information in an interview with AZERTAC.

“Although I have recently focused mainly on Garabagh, last week in Paris, on a day when I had planned to rest, I headed to Place de la République as soon as I heard reports that major riots were expected. The march, attended by hundreds of thousands of people, was actually peaceful. However, groups of young people dressed in black, such as the ‘Black Bloc,’ always emerge at events like these. They threw stones and paint at the police, triggering clashes. When the police began using tear gas, the area turned into a battlefield. As I was not wearing special protective gear, I injured my arm while taking photographs, and my eyes became irritated. Because of the pain, I still cannot move my arm comfortably,” the photojournalist said.

Noting that France has a long history of mass demonstrations, Reza Deghati said that young people often wear interesting and creative costumes at such events and carry placards bearing eye-catching slogans. He added that many people had gathered in the square that day, including individuals dressed as clowns, Spider-Man and Batman.

The political situation in France is tense ahead of upcoming elections. Although migrants are primarily being blamed for the unrest, only 27 percent of the 1,600 people detained were migrants. Far-right politicians, including Marine Le Pen, are seeking to capitalize on the migration issue to gain political leverage and win voter support.

Reza Deghati said he had never before witnessed riots on such a scale.

“Stores belonging to famous brands were also looted. In a shop selling sportswear and equipment, almost nothing was left. Other nearby properties were also damaged. French society is demanding that the government prevent such incidents. People want those who took part in the unrest to be identified and brought to justice. It was reported that some of those involved in the riots were under 18. For this reason, the issue of the legal liability of minors is also being discussed.

“At the same time, assessing the damage caused by the destruction and taking measures to ensure that those responsible pay for it are also on the agenda. Overall, society expects the government to take a firm stance against such incidents, maintain public order and take steps to prevent them from happening again.”