The number of people arrested in France in the last few hours during the riots triggered by the killing of a 17-year-old boy in Nanterre, on the outskirts of Paris, has risen to at least 150.
This was announced by the Minister of the Interior, Gerald Darmanin, who spoke of a night of "intolerable" violence.
Nael, driving a rented Mercedes SUV (without a licence), was shot dead, with a bullet in the chest, for not stopping at a police checkpoint. Shooting an agent, now under arrest.
Thus the revolt of the banlieues was unleashed, with clashes that continued into the night between the departments of Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne. The mayor of Nanterre has asked to "stop this destructive spiral", invoking the "peaceful mobilization" of all those who have "justice in their hearts".
What happened in Nanterre is "inexplicable and unjustifiable", deplored French President Emmanuel Macron, evoking "the condolences of the whole nation" and expressing "respect and affection" for Nael's family. It is now up to justice, he added, to establish the truth and identify responsibilities. I hope that this work will be completed quickly. In such a context, what Nanterre and the nation need is respect and calm".
Even Minister Darmanin, usually very close to the police, spoke of "extremely shocking images" commenting on a video that is shooting on social media in which the agent is seen pointing his weapon at the young man before opening fire.
The left denounces an "Americanization" of the French police while the leader of the Rassemblement National, Marine Le Pen, has called for "prudence". And attacked Macron. "Unjustifiable act? Inexplicable act? The answer lies with justice», warned the exponent of the French tricolor flame, defining the words of the head of state as «irresponsible».
(Unioneonline/D)
