Clashes between police and rioters erupted in the city of Marseille as France grapples with a fifth night of unrest following the shooting of a teenager by police at close range. Videos circulating online show police deploying tear gas, and authorities have reported at least 56 arrests in Marseille alone. However, a strong police presence in central Paris seemed to deter protests in the capital.
The funeral of Nahel M, the 17-year-old killed during a traffic stop, drew large crowds. Since the incident occurred in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, many French cities have descended into chaos. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin took to Twitter to praise law enforcement for their “resolute action” resulting in a “calmer night.” Approximately 45,000 police officers were deployed across the country for a second consecutive night on Saturday.
By 3.30am local time, the ministry reported a total of 486 arrests. Over 1,300 arrests were made on Friday night, followed by over 900 on Thursday. In Marseille, intense clashes between police and rioters lasted throughout Saturday evening, with videos showing tear gas being used on La Canebière, the city’s main avenue.
Meanwhile, in Paris, a significant police presence along the Champs-Élysées effectively deterred most protesters from gathering there. The city’s police reported 194 arrests. The Paris region suspended all bus and tram services after 9pm for the second consecutive night. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne reportedly visited the command room of the national police in Paris to oversee efforts to maintain order.
In other cities, such as Lille, police special forces were deployed, and images showed firefighters extinguishing car fires set by rioters. Clashes were reported in Nice and Strasbourg, while officials in Lyon announced that 21 people had been arrested.
Nahel’s funeral took place earlier in Nanterre, with the service held at a local mosque before his burial. Media access was restricted, and supporters of the family prohibited filming or sharing videos on social media. Nahel was shot after refusing to stop for a traffic check, and a video of the incident showed police officers attempting to halt the vehicle, with one officer pointing a weapon at the driver. The officer who fired the fatal shot has been charged with voluntary homicide and expressed remorse, while questions regarding French policing, including a controversial firearms law, and issues of racism within the force have been reignited.
President Emmanuel Macron denounced the violence, firmly condemning the “unacceptable exploitation” of Nahel’s death to justify acts of violence and accusing protesters of taking advantage of the situation. The unrest has also prompted calls for France to address systemic racism within law enforcement, with the UN’s human rights office emphasising the need for action on this issue.
