France has been rocked by violent protests due to perceived racial discrimination.
By Osaro Matthew
Today, French mayors called for an “anti-riot” rally across the country, even as a specter of violence still hangs over the nation. This comes after days of unending riots ravaging the country following the death of Nahel, a 17-year-old boy of North African descent, on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the hands of a police officer during a traffic stop in the Paris suburb of Nanterre.
Footage of the incident, filmed by a bystander, showed two officers standing on the driver’s side of the car, one of whom fired his gun. According to Nanterre prosecutor Pascal Prache, the officer claimed he fired his gun out of fear that the boy would run someone over with the car. This has angered the French populace, as many believe that this unlawful act was driven by racial discrimination.
The French populace, especially young men and women of colour who have been victims of police discrimination, took to the streets of France in protest. Widespread violent protests and riots have erupted across the nation, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of government properties. Scores of people have been arrested, and thousands of policemen have been deployed across France to curb looting and property destruction.
The violence has prompted President Emmanuel Macron to hold a crisis meeting, cutting short his attendance at a European Council summit on Thursday. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on France to address the “deep issues of racism and discrimination within law enforcement.” The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs described this statement as “totally unfounded,” claiming that France and its forces are committed to fighting all forms of discrimination. The French government, in collaboration with its forces, is working tirelessly to restore order in the nation.