FRANCE LATEST: ERIC DROUET RELEASED FROM JAIL,  SAID WEDNESDAY PROTEST ATTEMPT TO SHOW 'WE ARE NOT FREE'

"We wanted to show the French that we are not free"

Eric Drouet "Facebook" Video  Thursday 1/3/2019 Following His Release

"The French police have arrested a prominent leader of the Yellow Vest movement for a second time, in a clear sign that the government is following through on a pledge to crack down on the protests...."

Adam Nossiter-"New York Times"  1/3/2019

He's released from jail Thursday and will face a court date on February 15th, but Eric Drouet says his attempt to launch a Yellow Vests protest Wednesday was designed to show the people of France that they are not free.

More Yellow Vests protests are set for Saturday stressing a need for a hardening of the movement following Drouet's arrest.   The arrest is being cited as proof of the need for a return to the streets on Saturday.

Political reaction from the Left and Right points the finger of blame on President Emmanuel Macron for pursuing a political agenda highlighted by his New Year's Eve message categorizing Yellow Vests protesters as the forces of "hate".

Jean-Luc Melenchon of the Left and Marine Le Pen of the National Rally both expressing their dismay at Macron's policy.

Le Pen tweeting that there is a:

"systematic violation"

of the rights of Macron's opponents.

While saying that Eric Drouet does not necessarily represent him the leader of the Gaullist Debout France party, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan told BFM-TV Friday morning that:

"the power under Macron and (Interior Minister) Castaner is severe towards his political opponents but lax to the scum"

The government filed a complaint against Dupont-Aignan last month accusing him of urging police to join the Yellow Vests protests.

Link below......

ADAM NOSSITER-NEW YORK TIMES 1/3/2019

(UPDATED WITH NEW INFORMATION LATE THURSDAY, EARLY FRIDAY)
(INFORMATION FROM MSM SOURCES PLUS GOOGLE TRANSLATION OF BFM-TV IN FRANCE)