Covid curb protests: Paris cops hold 81

Paris police said they arrested 97 people who defied a ban on a Canada-style protest convoy over coronavirus regulations to try block traffic in the capital, with 81 still in custody yesterday. Thousands of demonstrators from across France attempted to block traffic in the capital Saturday in a self-proclaimed "freedom convoy" of cars, trucks and campervans. Hundreds of them continued on to Brussels yesterday. The protest is one of several worldwide inspired by the truckers' standoff with authorities in Canada. In Canada, police yesterday said they have arrested more protesters opposing Covid-19 restrictions and blocking a key trade route along the border with the United States, more than 24 hours after authorities moved in to impose a court order.