Eiffel tower goes dark to show solidarity to Aleppo civilians

The lights of the Eiffel Tower in Paris were switched off to show support for the people of the shattered Syrian city of Aleppo.

The monument was plunged into darkness from 8:00 pm (1900 GMT) on Wednesday in what Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said was a protest at the “unbearable” situation for civilians in the city where fighting raged during the day.

Rebel forces announced a new deal late on Wednesday to allow residents to be evacuated from the city.

Hidalgo said in a statement before the lights on the tower were switched off that “the final roads of Aleppo held by the opposition are being taken by the regime, creating hundreds of victims”.

According to media reports, Several hundred people demonstrated in Paris in support of Aleppo’s residents.

Some of the protesters wore a piece of red clothing to symbolise the blood spilled in the fierce battle for Syria’s second city.