French police pepper-spray mothers protesting mask mandate in schools

By Alaattin Dogru

ANKARA (AA) – French police pepper-sprayed mothers who gathered to protest the government’s mask mandate in schools, according to local media.

Under the banner of "Mamans Louves," the protesting mothers including lawmaker Martine Wonner gathered in the capital Paris' famous Place de la Madeline on Thursday, arguing that the government's handling of the pandemic crisis has a negative impact on their children, French news outlet France Soir reported.

It said that as the mothers, who sought a public debate with French President Emmanuel Macron on the issue, began marching toward the Elysee Palace, police intervened and pepper-sprayed them.

The Mamans Louves, a recently formed group with members from various socio-professional backgrounds, was demanding of the government to "respect parental authority over children" when it comes to pandemic measures.

Roxane Chafei, the spokesperson for the group, said: "We carry our babies for months; we bring them into the world; we watch over them day and night; we give them love, care, attention, and education. So, we must be concerted before any decision is made.”