Macron considers blocking social media if unrest continues Revenge is sweet: Putin liquidates Prigozhin’s business empire

In the fight against further unrest in France, French President Emmanuel Macron is also considering blocking online media. One should think about the use of social networks by the protesting youth and possible bans, Macron said at a meeting with mayors in Paris on Tuesday, the broadcaster BFMTV reported. “And if things get out of hand, you may have to put yourself in a position to regulate them or turn them off. You shouldn’t do that in the heat of the moment, and I’m glad we didn’t have to.”

On Friday, the president also blamed social networks for the escalation of violence in protests against police brutality. Violent rallies were organized there. Now Macron said dealing with social media should be considered calmly. “Because when it becomes a tool for gatherings or trying to kill, it’s a real problem.”

Increased border controls

Meanwhile, controls at the border with Belgium have been tightened in northern France to prevent the import of fireworks, the newspaper “Le Parisien” reported on Tuesday evening, citing the prefecture. The rioters must be prevented from stocking up on fireworks. People with fireworks have already been arrested on both sides of the border. The prefecture in northern France has issued a ban on the sale and transport of fireworks and petrol in cans until mid-July.

Since the death of 17-year-old Nahel by a police bullet during a traffic control last Tuesday, France has been rocked by violent riots. There was repeated looting, arson and violent clashes between police officers and rioters. The officer who shot the boy is suspected of manslaughter. (sda/dpa)