Thousands took to Paris streets while other cities ban demonstrations

Thousands of protesters took to the Paris streets on Thursday while other cities banned demonstrations following a weekend of clashes and widespread looting that marked France's most violent

unrest in years.

Organisers of the Paris protest said an administrative court in the city overturned a ban issued by police after they challenged it. The Paris police prefecture previously said the ban was necessary, given the risk of street violence after groups of masked youth

clashed with police forces, looted shops and torched cars over the weekend.

The Paris court ruling was not immediately made public. Protesters, including many youngsters, gathered peacefully in the southeastern part of Paris amid heavy police presence.

More bans were expected in the coming days. French President Emmanuel Macron said such measures aim to protect city centres, businesses and public buildings.