Violent riots broke out in several places in France for the fourth consecutive night. While 45,000 police officers were deployed across the country, things got out of hand in many places on Friday evening and night. 471 people have been arrested so far.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin deployed 45,000 police officers across the country. According to the minister, it remained “extremely calm” in some regions, he told the French news channel BFM-TV. Earlier in the day, the French government had asked the prefects, the representatives of the state in the regions, to shut down public transport from 9 p.m. Some major public events were also cancelled.
Tensions remain high towards Saturday’s funeral for 17-year-old Nahel. He was shot dead by police on Tuesday when he tried to drive away from the officers who had stopped his car for traffic violations. The boy’s family has asked the media to stay away from the funeral because it is “a day of reflection” for the bereaved.
Fidgety
Nahel’s death has sparked anger and riots across France. Things first became restless in Nahel’s hometown of Nanterre, a suburb of Paris. Violence soon spread to many other French cities. Many people are angry with the police action and accuse the force of being racist and too aggressive.
A protest march was held in Nanterre on Thursday, led by his mother. The march went from Nahel’s home to the police station, where clashes erupted again. The crowd threw stones and other objects, the police retaliated with batons and used tear gas. Cars and other objects have been set on fire in many places in France in recent days.
In Marseille last night, mostly masked youths took to the streets, who looted shops, set fire to cars and scooters and pelted the police with projectiles. Police used tear gas to disperse the groups. A gun shop was also looted.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss a thing of the stars.