70 french cities held marches last weekend to protest against the renewal of the state of emergency. The controversial decree grants the executive branch extraordinary powers without judicial oversight, including house arrests without authorization from a judge, searches without a warrant and a ban on public gatherings. Authorities can also block websites deemed to promote terrorism without prior judicial authorization. French lawmakers agreed to extend the measures until the end of February after the November 13th Paris attacks which left 130 people dead and 300 others injured.
Pacifica reporter Nina Pareja has more and filed this report.