FRANCE: France has banned fireworks outside regulated public displays during Bastille Day vacation weekend due to tensions over a teenager’s police killing and arrest, sparking new claims of police brutality.
The decree bans the sale, possession, transport, and use of pyrotechnic articles and fireworks until after July 15th, preventing disturbances to public order and potentially sparking new violence.
The six-day unrest following the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk in Paris led to the use of fireworks, rockets, stones, and bottles against police.
The shooting sparked resentment among France’s poor, ethnically diverse urban populations, fueled by police brutality and claims of systematic racism. Horizontal-shot fireworks rockets, with a top speed of 100 km/h, have become a preferred weapon among rioters, easily delivered via TikTok and other social media platforms.
Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne pledged “massive means to protect the French” on July 14, addressing concerns about potential incidents during the national holiday.
Olivier Véran assured peace and security, stating that the annual festivities should not lead to riots. A video involving BRAV-M units detaining a black man’s brother in 2016 sparked a new controversy about French police brutality.
A 2,000-strong protest in downtown Paris disregarded an official ban on the yearly Adama Traoré memorial march, which was previously prohibited due to insufficient preparation time and potential violence.
Assa Traoré, a campaigner for her brother’s justice, urged a calm protest, highlighting France’s lack of moral lessons and racist police.
Paris police are investigating Assa for organizing an unauthorised demonstration, while Traoré’s brother Youssouf was arrested for violence against public authority.
Youssouf suffered an eye injury during his arrest. The Paris prosecutor’s office suggests bringing the allegations back if he is released. Traoré resisted arrest, was tackled, and was held face down.
Demonstrators called for police reform, including intervention techniques and weapons, by nearly 100 organizations and left-wing groups.
Two journalists claimed mistreatment during the march. Left-leaning lawmakers condemned the brutality during Traoré’s arrest, with Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel condemning the arrest.
Following Nahel Merzouk’s shooting, over 3,700 people were detained, including 1,160 juveniles. The unrest led to 5,000 car fires, 11,000 fires, 2,000 robberies, and the desecration of public structures.
The administration plans to release funds for compensation and emergency legislation to rebuild damaged buildings before the summer break.
The French government has denied claims of police brutality and racism from NGOs and human rights organizations. The foreign ministry prioritizes combating racism and discrimination.
The committee was accused of a lack of solidarity and compassion following recent riots involving 800 police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters.
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