France Erupts in Chaos After Teen Shot by Police
Riots exploded in Marseille after police shot a 17-year-old teenager, Nahel M, at close range during a traffic stop. Clashes with law enforcement flared up for a fifth night, shaking cities across France. Videos show police firing tear gas amid violent protests. At least 56 people were arrested in Marseille alone. Meanwhile, a heavy police presence kept demonstrations at bay in central Paris.
Massive Police Deployment and Thousands Arrested
The tension soared after Nahel’s funeral in Nanterre, where hundreds gathered despite tight media restrictions and appeals from the family to avoid filming. Since the shooting, which reignited simmering anger over police violence and racism, unrest has swept through multiple French cities.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin tweeted praise for police, calling their efforts “resolute” and helping deliver a “calmer night.” Over 45,000 officers were deployed nationwide for the second consecutive evening.
By 3.30am Saturday, 486 arrests had been made that night alone. More than 1,300 were nabbed on Friday, with over 900 the night before. Marseille saw the fiercest fights, with tear gas fired along La Canebière, the city’s main street.
Paris Fortified, Other Cities in Flames
In Paris, police beefed up their presence along the Champs-Élysées, stopping large protests from forming. The city recorded 194 arrests, and bus and tram services were suspended after 9pm for a second night running. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne visited the national police command centre to oversee the crackdown.
Elsewhere, special forces were called in for Lille, where firefighters battled car fires sparked by rioters. Violence also broke out in Nice, Strasbourg, and Lyon, where authorities arrested 21 people.
Political Fallout and Calls for Reform
Nahel was shot after refusing a traffic stop, with footage showing an officer pointing a gun at the young driver before firing. The policeman responsible faces voluntary homicide charges and has expressed remorse. The tragedy has reopened raw debates on French police practices, including controversial firearms laws and accusations of systemic racism.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, slamming the “unacceptable exploitation” of Nahel’s death. He accused agitators of using the tragedy to justify lawlessness.
The unrest has sparked urgent calls for reforms in policing and tackling racism. The UN human rights office stressed the need for concrete action to address discrimination within French law enforcement.
