Paris: In Paris, hundreds of protesters gathered again on Sunday, October 18, at the Place de la République amid a heavy police presence. Officers used tear gas as tensions flared sporadically in the neighbourhood, with small groups of people trying to set bicycles and trash bins on fire.The turnout at Saturday’s (October 17) marches has been estimated at around 550,000, while organisers have put it at 800,000. Dislodged cobblestones, shattered storefronts and broken glass littered the area around Paris’ Place de la République on Sunday. Looting and damage were also reported in other tourist and shopping districts.The protests stem from a student movement that emerged in September this year over poor condition in Paris’ high schools in working-class suburbs. Students highlighted teacher shortages, poor infrastructure and a lack of basic facilities.Even though the main parade demanding changes has remained “absolutely peaceful”, dispersed violent protests have emerged in different part of the capital.The following are pictures from mass protests at the Place de la République in Paris.Photo: Gilles Verniers.Photo: Gilles Verniers.Photo: Gilles Verniers.Photo: Gilles Verniers.Photo: Gilles Verniers.Photo: Gilles Verniers.Photo: Gilles Verniers.Photo: Gilles Verniers.Photo: Gilles Verniers.Photo: Gilles Verniers.