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French Yellow Vest Figure on Trial, New Protests Planned

by Associated Press

   PARIS --

   A prominent figure of the French yellow vests has gone on trial in
   Paris for allegedly organizing illegal demonstrations, as the movement
   prepares for a 14th consecutive weekend of protests.

   Eric Drouet was arrested for organizing demonstrations on Dec. 22 and
   Jan. 2 in Paris without declaring them to authorities.

   He acknowledged he didn't follow the rule, saying Friday he doesn't
   consider himself a protest organizer.

   The Paris prosecutor requested a 500-euro ($563) fine and a one-month
   suspended prison sentence. The court's decision will be announced on
   March 29.

   Drouet is a known figure of the movement, repeatedly calling for
   demonstrations on social media.

   Yellow vest protesters are planning new protests on Saturday and Sunday
   in Paris and other cities to denounce French President Emmanuel
   Macron's economic policies.