FRANCE: France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, proposed that the government consider regulating and maybe shutting down social media networks during times of public disturbance as immigration riots continue to wreak havoc on the nation.
Officials condemned young people using platforms like Snapchat and TikTok for supporting unrest and violence following a teenager’s shooting in Paris.
Speaking at a gathering of more than 200 mayors whose muncipalities had experienced violence, Macron stressed the importance of taking into account how young people use social media and noted that, if things go out of hand, regulatory measures or disconnection may be required.
Critics argue that such measures would align France with authoritarian nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. However, the Socialist Party’s chairman, Olivier Faure, argued that France could not align with these democracies.
Olivier Marleix of the Les Républicains party criticized cutting social media for promoting content that incites violence or robbery. Macron called for social media companies to delete problematic content. Justice minister Éric Dupond-Moretti hinted at legal action to track down and prosecute individuals using social media for unlawful conduct.
Nahel M’s death in a traffic stop on June 27 sparked accusations of racism in France’s security services. The government faced riots and looting, with 17 arrests made overnight, including seven in Paris. Official statistics show 116 arson incidents involving eight structures and 78 automobiles. Violent storms struck northern France, including the capital, restoring peace after seven days of disturbance.
A 38-year-old police officer is being remanded in custody after being formally placed under investigation for voluntary manslaughter, which is the French equivalent of being charged.
French authorities are investigating the death of a 27-year-old man in Marseille, France, who was struck by a projectile during a disturbance. Prosecutors claim it’s impossible to identify the man’s location or involvement in the disturbances. They concluded that a “flash-ball” projectile used by riot police likely caused the man’s death but did not reveal the shooter or owner. The blow caused cardiac arrest and instant death.
Flash-ball weapons are intended to be non-lethal, skin-impermeable riot control tools. Their usage by French police is in question because the projectiles have caused eye damages, head injuries, and other traumatic injuries.
Also Read: Paris Suburb Unrest: Macron Condemns ‘Inexcusable’ Police Killing of Teenager
