…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
During a third consecutive night of riots in France, more than 650 people were arrested, as confirmed by the country’s interior minister.
The violent protests followed the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old delivery driver, identified as Nahel M, and took place in Nanterre, a working-class town near Paris.
The demonstrations escalated after a peaceful vigil held in tribute to the deceased, with protesters setting cars on fire, erecting barricades, and engaging in clashes with the police.
Police Officer Charged with Voluntary Homicide
The police officer responsible for shooting Nahel during a traffic stop on Tuesday has been charged with preliminary voluntary homicide.
The prosecutor, Pascal Prache, concluded after an initial investigation that the conditions for legally using the weapon were not met.
The officer’s lawyer, speaking on a French TV channel, expressed his client’s remorse and devastation, stating that the officer believed his actions were necessary in the moment.
Circumstances Surrounding the Shooting
According to prosecutor Prache, officers attempted to stop Nahel due to his youthful appearance and the fact that he was driving a Mercedes with Polish license plates in a bus lane.
Nahel allegedly evaded the police by running a red light, but was subsequently caught in traffic.
Both officers involved claimed they drew their guns to prevent him from escaping.
The officer who fired a single shot stated that he feared for his and his colleague’s safety, as well as the safety of others, as the car drove off.
Escalation into Looting and Further Violence
In central Paris, protests turned into looting as mobs broke into a Nike shoe store and stormed the Chatelet shopping complex near Notre Dame Cathedral.
Similar scenes unfolded across France, particularly in Marseille, where clashes with the police, arson attacks on town halls and police cars, and the torching of trains took place.
Gangs engaged in running battles with the police, prompting the use of tear gas and baton charges.
Security Measures and Response
To control the ongoing protests, tens of thousands of police officers have been deployed throughout the country.
The shocking video of the shooting has reignited tensions between the police and young people in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
While the teenager’s family and lawyers have not indicated that the shooting was racially motivated, anti-racism activists have raised concerns about police conduct.
French President Emmanuel Macron held emergency security meetings to address the violence and plan for the days ahead, emphasizing the need for peace to be restored.
Conclusion:
Apologies from the police officer involved in the shooting of the 17-year-old delivery driver have emerged amidst a third night of riots in France.
The protests, marked by arrests, arson, clashes with the police, and incidents of looting, have intensified long-standing tensions between law enforcement and young people in marginalized areas.
The government has deployed a significant number of police officers to address the unrest, while President Macron seeks to restore peace and security.