Thousands of ecologists demonstrate against agricultural dams in Sainte-Soline, France

The Gendarmerie denounces the use of fireworks and axes by ecologists against the reservoirs

MADRID, 25 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) -

More than 6,000 environmental protesters gathered this Saturday in the town of Sainte-Soline, in west-central France, to protest against the construction of agricultural dams and defend the water cycle.

During the demonstration there have been serious clashes with the Police that have led to the arrest of at least eleven people. In addition, there are five demonstrators injured, at least one seriously due to an impact on the eye, according to the newspaper 'Le Figaro'.

In addition, the Gendarmerie has realized that the protesters have used pyrotechnic explosives, petanque balls, Molotov cocktails, iron bars and axes in recent clashes with the agents. "At least a thousand" violent activists were "prepared to fight the Police," according to the police force.

Protesters have thrown objects, while agents have used tear gas and water cannons. At least eleven people have been arrested, two Gendarmerie vehicles have been set on fire and there is a photographer injured, according to French television BFMTV. Among the detainees there are seven arrested.

The Ministry of the Interior has denounced the "very violent attacks" by the demonstrators against the agents who intervened to "contain the attacks of several hundred radicals."

Previously, the Deux-Sèvres Prefecture had warned that "at least 1,000 heavily equipped members of violent groups, fully dressed in black, are ready to do battle with the police forces."

On Friday during police checks, petanque balls, axes, gas canisters, machetes and knives were seized and the Prefecture has decreed that any gathering in Sainte-Soline be prohibited this weekend.