BBC is mocked for calling French riots ‘mostly peaceful’ while showing videos of Paris in flames and thugs fighting police

The BBC has faced criticism for describing protests in France as “mostly peaceful” while its report showed fires, looting and clashes between masked rioters and police. The wording prompted some viewers and political figures to accuse the broadcaster of understating the violence.

The demonstrations began over living costs, education and President Emmanuel Macron’s government, then escalated into disorder in several cities. The BBC correspondent said around half a million people had joined protests, while attributing much of the violence to an opportunistic minority; authorities have banned demonstrations in several cities and are considering a state of emergency.