French riots spread in third night of unrest. Why people are protesting?

To maintain order, approximately 40,000 law enforcement officers were deployed nationwide, including 5,000 in Paris and its inner suburbs. Brussels, Belgium, is also experiencing riots in response to the teenager’s killing, resulting in eight arrests and heightened police presence

Why people are protesting in France?

Violent unrest erupted in Nanterre, France, following the tragic shooting of a 17-year-old driver by a police officer during a routine traffic check on Tuesday morning. The officer, now under custody, is being investigated for potential manslaughter, as confirmed by the local prosecutor’s office.

The Nanterre prosecutor revealed on Thursday that the officer had failed to meet the necessary requirements to justify the use of his weapon, and he will remain in custody until his trial takes place, as reported by ABC news.

The shooting incident sparked widespread protests marked by acts of violence, including the arson and assault of police stations, schools, and town halls. Interior Minister Darmanin reported over 150 arrests across the country related to the protests on Wednesday night. He strongly condemned the “unbearable violence” that unfolded.

The victim’s family, represented by their lawyers, identified the young driver as Nael M. and expressed their intention to file complaints against the officer who fired the fatal shot, as well as another officer present at the scene.

Both French President Emmanuel Macron and Interior Minister Darmanin have called for calm, urging the public to await the results of the investigations into the teenager’s death. 

Updated: 30 Jun 2023, 09:08 AM IST