The unrest in France has been going on for four days. Local authorities across the country banned demonstrations on Saturday. Security measures need to be tightened, especially in Lyon and Marseille, as Interior Minister Gerald Darmanian announced.
Some 45,000 security troops were reportedly deployed in France on Saturday night. In the night from Friday to Saturday there was looting, violence and arson in many places. The demonstrators set fire to vehicles and buildings, among other things. According to preliminary figures from the Ministry of the Interior, 79 security forces were injured. The situation deteriorated especially in Lyon and Marseille.
In the center of Marseille, young and often masked people threw projectiles at police vans and the police used tear gas. The unrest also continued in Paris on Saturday. In all, more than 1,300 people were arrested across the country.
Many feel disadvantaged
Many people from poor, multi-ethnic neighborhoods feel disadvantaged and neglected by the government. Complaints about police brutality and racism have been accumulating for some time. The cause of the riots was the death of a 17-year-old during a police check four days ago. His family is from Algeria.
Video footage of the murder of Nahel M. circulated on social media. The police officer admitted that he had shot at the boy when he continued to drive despite being checked. His lawyer, Laurent-Franck Lienard, said his client aimed for the driver’s leg but was hit as the car started, shooting him in the chest. “It was clear he didn’t want to kill the driver.” The policeman is stuck.
Macron wants to meet the mayor
As reported, French President Emmanuel Macron canceled his planned visit to Germany over the riots. He wants to meet mayors. Some of them had previously called for a curfew and increased police presence. A state of emergency has not yet been declared.
In addition to Austria, authorities in Germany, Britain and the US have also called for caution when traveling to France. Numerous room reservations have already been cancelled.
Source: Krone
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