My Photography Journey
In 2021, while traveling through France, we spent a couple of days in Marseille waiting to pick up our charter sailboat. We filled the time walking around the city, taking in the sights, and visiting local museums.
While strolling along the marina during the day, we ran into a loud and vibrant demonstration. People were shouting through megaphones and waving French flags. Since it was 2021 – the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – they were protesting against restrictions that barred unvaccinated individuals from entering public places. The whole event was under heavy police surveillance.
Naturally, we stayed out of the crowd, walking at a safe distance to observe without getting in the way. Alongside the organizers leading the rally, there were a few aggressive-looking young men who clearly seemed ready to clash with law enforcement.
Then the march came to a halt, and the rally began. We decided to watch for a bit.
Speeches were made, met with roaring approval from the crowd. The police stood by silently, making no moves.
Suddenly, flares were launched from the side of the protesters. The police retaliated instantly, pushing forward and firing tear gas (or some other riot control agent) directly into the crowd. A wave of it blew right in our direction.
The harsh burning of the gas was deeply unpleasant, and we immediately knew it was time to get out of there. We weren’t the only ones – there were plenty of other tourists scrambling to escape the plume.
And that’s how I ended up caught in a police riot dispersal for the very first and only time in my life.