77 arrested in violent protests over police killing of teenager

In France, a second night of unrest has resulted in the arrest of at least 77 people following the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old driver by the police. The teenager, identified as Nahel M, was shot at close range after refusing a traffic stop and driving away. Videos on social media showed cars being set on fire and shops being looted in Paris. 

 

 

Rioters also targeted a prison in Fresnes, attacking it with fireworks. In the Parisian suburb of Nanterre, authorities partially withdrew as violence erupted, primarily centred around the Pablo-Picasso district. 

 

 

Protesters in various regions across Paris fired fireworks at police stations, while in Lille, people set documents and chairs on fire inside the town hall of the Mons-en-Barœul suburb. In Rennes, a gathering of about 300 people paid tribute to the teenager, and some individuals started fires before being dispersed by the police.

 

 

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the shooting, describing it as "unforgivable." However, his remarks drew criticism from police unions, accusing him of prematurely judging the officers involved. The Alliance Police union called for the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven. At the same time, the rival Unité SGP Police criticized political interference that fuels "anti-cop hatred."

 

 

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced legal action against France Police, a group that published a now-deleted tweet justifying the killing of the teenager and blaming his parents for his death, stating they failed to educate their son. Darmanin condemned the tweet as "unacceptable and abject."