Whether on Twitter, Facebook, or even Reddit, you would have seen various videos of people rioting in France. Streets have been set on fire in the country, shops have been looted, and some places seem like apocalyptic battlefields. As such, people on the outside looking in are wondering what’s going on in France.
A few months ago, Paris was burning because French President Emmanuel Macron had increased the retirement age of most French workers from 62 to 64. Now, it looks like the capital of the country is burning again. But this time, something else seems to be happening instead of French workers protesting. So what is it?
France has descended into chaos and riots after the death of Nahel M., a 17-year-old teenager of Algerian descent who was shot by French police after he allegedly refused to comply with their instructions for a traffic stop. Law enforcement revealed that the officer who shot him had done so in an act of self-defense and also to ensure the safety of everyone around him. The officer has been charged with voluntary homicide, and people are rioting and looting nationwide in protest.
Why Is France Rioting?
French law authorities have clashed with young protesters in various places after the shooting with Nahel M., a 17-year-old student of Algerian descent. Allegedly, in a regular security check gone wrong, Nahel is seen getting shot by a police offer in the chest while in a car that crashed to a stop. In a viral video, he can be seen in a Mercedes car with Polish license plates.
Apparently, he was driving in a bus lane. The police attempted to pull him over since he looked too young to have a driving license. However, he didn’t stop and instead ran a red light to prevent getting caught. But he couldn’t go far and was instead blocked by traffic.
A police officer then allegedly shot the teenager because he was driving the car straight toward him and also because he feared that he was going to crash into someone else.
Nahel was a rugby league player, an only child raised by his mother, and was due to start college in Suresness to become an electrician. He lived in Nanterre with his mother, Mounia. Nahel reportedly didn’t have a criminal record. Authorities have stated that the firing was an act of self-defense by the officer.
However, using a firearm in this situation isn’t legally justifiable, so the police officer has been preliminarily charged with voluntary homicide. Investigation into the matter is ongoing. However, people aren’t waiting for any official investigation. Anti-racism groups in France have alleged that the police showed racial discrimination against Nahel.
Even though France believes in being colorblind, activist groups have complained that this hides the systemic racism by authorities. People are also alleging that it isn’t an isolated incident. In 2022, French police allegedly killed 13 people who didn’t comply with traffic stops.
Even in 2023, 3 people were also apparently fatally injured in a similar situation with the police. Demonstrations against police brutality have been on the rise in the nation too. Nahel’s death lit a spark that spread all over the country. As a result, there’s widespread rioting going on.
What Have the French Riots Done?
Shops have been looted on Rivoli Street and other places; downtown Paris’ biggest shopping center, Forum des Halles, was invaded too, and the police department in the 12th area was attacked as well. Riots have consumed Toulouse, Lille, and even Brussels, where the agitation has also reached.
Law enforcement has used water guns, tear gas, and stun grenades to disperse the mobs. As per official reports, 200 law enforcement personnel have been injured, and 800 people have been arrested. Macron’s administration dispersed 40,000 cops to regain control of the city.
President Emmanuel Macron has requested parents to keep their children at home and assured his people that his government is looking into various options to restore peace. The police are still struggling to contain protestors and save town halls, police stations, schools, and other public buildings from getting burned down.
Reactions to the protests across social media have been varied. Many are supporting the protestors and calling for French law enforcement to have a look at its racial prejudice and discriminatory practices. Others have said that there’s visible discrimination against refugees, immigrants, racial minorities, or people of other descent in the nation.
However, there’s also increasingly vocal chatter about the baseless destruction of public property as many community places like town halls have been set on fire. Many have also raised their voices against the protestors’ widespread looting amid the riots. It now remains to be seen how Macron handles this issue.
What do you think of the ongoing French riots?
Are the protestors justified in the looting and blatant destruction of property? Are the French police becoming too trigger-happy? What solution do you posit to this problem?
Let us know in the comments below.
