A female protester in France has died and over 200 have been injured during mass protests at rising fuel prices in the country. The latest report from the interior ministry estimated 280,000 people have taken part in the protests which have been triggered by substantial rises in fuel duty which has seen the price of a litre of diesel rise by around 23% over the past 12 months. Diesel is the most common fuel used by French Motorists.
The lady who died has been named as Chantal Mazet from the south-eastern Savoy region. The incident happened when a lady who was trying to take her daughter to the hospital had her car attacked by around 50 demonstrators. Sadly in the ensuing panic, she accelerated killing Ms Mazet. The driver has been taken into custody but it is unclear if she will face charges.
In Paris protesters tried to rally near the president’s official residence, however, police broke up the demonstration using tear gas. They are demanding the Government roll back recent duty rises, which have been introduced to try and reduce car emissions.
Fuel duty in France is one of the highest in the World according to research conducted by UHY however it is no excuse for violent protests which has sadly lost one lady her life.
