Black Friday protest: French activists block Amazon warehouse

Dozens of French activists have blocked an entrance to an Amazon warehouse south of Paris to protest against the environmental impact of consumerism.

Protesters formed a human chain, lay on hay bales and dumped old fridges and microwaves outside the Amazon depot in Bretigny-sur-Orge on Thursday.

They also blocked lorries from passing through.

Police dispersed the activists, whose aim was to disrupt Black Friday sales.

In response, Amazon said it respects the right to protest but accused activists of spreading “false allegations”.
The demonstrations are expected to intensify the debate about the environmental impact of Black Friday, which some French lawmakers want to ban in the country.

Earlier this week France’s Environment Minister Elisabeth Borne warned against the “consumption frenzy” linked to Black Friday.

The shopping day, during which retailers claim to offer large discounts, began in the US on the Friday after Thanksgiving but has in recent years spread to other countries.