Protesters in France are being beaten with batons and sprayed with pepper spray

 In France, most notably in Paris and Marseille, tensions are running high, with clashes breaking out between police and protesters. 

Demonstrators are throwing flares, while law enforcement officers are responding with tear gas and pepper spray. On October 17, the country is seeing rallies involving students and the "Yellow Vests" movement.

Owners of banks, cafés, and ground-floor shops are boarding up their storefronts with plywood and other available materials; nearly 200,000 people are expected to take part in Saturday’s demonstrations. 

In addition to students, the marches will include taxi drivers, healthcare workers, and construction laborers.