France is witnessing ongoing protests and rioting for the third consecutive night after the death of a teenager at the hands of a police officer in the Paris region.
Over 100 individuals have already been arrested, according to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. The French government has deployed 40,000 security forces to prevent further unrest.
The 17-year-old black youth, identified as Nahel M., was fatally shot by a police officer in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, on Tuesday.
The officer responsible for the shooting has been arrested and charged with manslaughter.
The incident occurred after the police attempted to stop Nahel, who was driving a yellow sports Mercedes and had committed traffic infractions.
A chase ensued, and when the Mercedes became stuck in traffic, the officers confronted Nahel.
Despite their demands to turn off the engine, Nahel accelerated, prompting one officer to fire at close range, resulting in his death.
The riots and attacks on public buildings, including town halls, schools, police stations, and courts, have been described as “absolutely unacceptable” by Darmanin.
The violence has been condemned by Paris Mayor Ariel Weil, who urged calm and emphasized the need for the justice system to carry out its work.
The French capital’s fire department has advised the public to prioritize emergencies and avoid overloading emergency phone lines.
As the protests continue, the French government remains focused on restoring order and ensuring justice is served.
The situation remains tense, with authorities striving to prevent further escalations of violence.