The violent police shooting of a 17-year-old teenager outside Paris, earlier this week provoked enormous rioting in the country’s suburbs, with hundreds of outraged protestors arrested, cars set on fire, and shops looted. The event has also reignited long-simmering tensions between young people and cops in poor areas in France. (https://inboundrem.com/)
According to the Associated Press, violent protests erupted in Nanterre following the unfortunate shooting of a teen motorist, named Nahel M, by a cop during a routine traffic check on Tuesday morning. The teen’s shooting, which was seen on a video, has triggered calls for a comprehensive review of the regulations governing law enforcement’s use of weapons.
40,000 police personnel have been mobilized across Paris: Reports
Approximately 40,000 law enforcement officers were mobilized across the country to protect public safety, with nearly 5,000 deployed in Paris and its surrounding areas. According to multiple media sources, the violence has expanded to Brussels, Belgium, where eight individuals have been arrested and there is an increased police presence.
Almost 250 gendarmes and police officers were hurt in France rioting: Report
According to the interior ministry, approximately 250 gendarmes and police officers were hurt on Thursday night, as the violence continued for the third night straight. Government officials said that rioters targeted town halls, police stations, and schools, according to the news agency PTI. Meanwhile, police used water cannons, dispersal grenades, and tear gas to disperse the mob.
Scenes from Marseille
At least 667 people have been arrested in France: Interior minister
According to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin’s tweet on Friday, at least 667 persons have been captured across France during the overnight rioting. The current arrests, according to Darmanin’s administration, represent a significant increase over previous operations. The arrests are part of the government’s larger effort to deal with rioters in an “extremely firm” manner.
President Macron left the EU conference in Brussels early
Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron departed early from the European Union (EU) summit in Brussels to return to France. According to AFP, Macron canceled his news conference before returning home to chair a meeting of the interdepartmental crisis committee on the country’s situation. He also convened a crisis meeting with senior cabinet members on Thursday to discuss the protests.
What caused the riots?
On Tuesday, Nahel was shot dead in the Paris district of Nanterre after refusing to comply with police directions during a traffic stop. The police claimed that the adolescent was driving his car toward them, but video evidence proved otherwise. A video later appeared on social media showing a police officer pointing his firearm through the window and firing at point-blank range.