Protests Rock France Over Killing Of 17-Year-Old

afimag.com –

Anger over the killing spawned unrest in multiple towns around Paris on the night of June 27, 2023, leading to the arrest and injuring of some citizens.

According to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, 31 people were arrested while 24 police officers were injured during the violent protests.

Also, 40 cars were set ablaze overnight of June 27 and into the early of June 28, 2023.

Darmanin said, “A teenager was killed. That is inexplicable and unforgivable,” Macron said during an official visit to Marseille in southern France. “Nothing can justify the death of a young person.”

“I am hurting for my France,” tweeted Mbappe, captain of the French men’s national football team and star player at Paris Saint-Germain.

The victim, identified as Nahel M from Nanterre, was pulled over by two police officers for breaking traffic rules while driving a yellow Mercedes on Tuesday morning.

Police initially reported that an officer had shot at the teenager because he was driving his car at him but this version of events was contradicted by a video circulating on social media.

That footage shows the two police officers standing by the side of the stationary car, with one pointing a weapon at the driver.

A voice is heard saying: “You are going to get a bullet in the head.” The police officer then appears to fire as the car abruptly drives off.

The 38-year-old policeman filmed firing the lethal shot was taken into custody afterwards and is under investigation for voluntary manslaughter.

The incident has reignited debate in France about police tactics amid longstanding criticism from rights groups about the treatment of people in low-income suburbs, particularly ethnic minorities.

Naima, who said her sons knew the victim, added that they were “in shock” to see the police killed the teenager.

“They said Mum, what should we do? What’s happening with the police these days? Are they protecting us, or do we need to be protected from the police?” Naima said.