In the Parisian suburb of Nanterre: riots near Paris after the police shot at 17-year-olds

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Garbage cans, cars and a primary school were set on fire by angry people and emergency services were thrown at large quantities of exploding fireworks, French media such as the newspaper “Le Figaro” report, citing the authorities. Barricades were erected between the high-rises and firefighters were hindered in their operations.

The riots, which began on Tuesday evening with a demonstration in front of Nanterre police station, spread to neighboring towns overnight. In Mantes-la-Jolie, a town hall has been set on fire. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets but had to retreat despite the massive attacks, sometimes fleeing. Authorities say 15 people have been arrested.

Video shows police officer pointing gun at car

A police motorcycle patrol had stopped the car with three occupants on Tuesday morning. A video verified by broadcaster France Info shows one of the officers pointing his gun at the driver’s door in the stationary car. The area for the car is free. When the 17-year-old suddenly drives away from behind the wheel, the officer shoots at the youngster at close range, fatally wounding him.

As reported by France Info, the officer was taken into police custody on suspicion of manslaughter. According to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, the police authorities have launched an investigation after the young driver’s death to clarify the incident.

People die at banal vehicle checks

The deadly police operation has sparked outrage in France, and the video footage shows excessive police brutality. Time and again people in France die during banal vehicle checks if they do not follow the instructions of the police.

Often these are not serious criminals, but, as in the case of Nanterre, people who have attracted attention with minor crimes. The 17-year-old was said to have been known to police for previous traffic offenses and was apprehended for such an offense this time, France Info reported.

“It’s Gonna Be a Tough Night”

This is one of the reasons why the most recent death in a police operation sparked a heated political debate. “The death penalty no longer exists in France. No police officer has the right to kill unless it is in self-defense,” tweeted left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The police discredit the authority of the state and must be reformed from the ground up.

The president of the conservative Républicains, Éric Ciotti, expressed his support for the police forces in Nanterre. “It’s going to be a tough night, you are the defenders of our collective security. There is no justification for this chaos!” (SDA)

Source: Blick