France riots: Over 400 arrested as violent protest continues

Day 3 of France Riots: More than 400 people were arrested in France on after protests swept across the country for a third night over the death of 17-year-old Nahel M, who was shot dead by an officer in Nanterre, about 11km northwest of Paris city centre. 

Confrontations erupted between protesters and police in Nanterre, where the 17-year-old named Nahel was killed days before in Marseille.

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A bank was set on fire in Nanterre and 15 people were taken in by police for questioning after a march was carried out in memory of the teenager became violent. Protesters threw fireworks at police officers in Marseille.    

A memorial march held for 17-year-old Nahel concluded in Nanterre with riot police firing tear gas and several cars being set on fire, evoking shock among the participants. Families, young children, and peaceful protesters gathered to commemorate Nahel, but the situation turned violent with some individuals resorting to smashing buildings.

Following a morning crisis meeting, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced a significant increase in the deployment of police officers. The number of deployed officers would be more than quadrupled, from 9,000 to 40,000, with the Paris region alone seeing a more than doubling of officers to 5,000.

During the night, 40 cars were burnt and 24 police officers were injured, according to French authorities. The police officer has been placed under formal investigation for voluntary homicide and has been kept in preliminary detention, the report said.  

The recent unrest has brought back memories of the 2005 riots that engulfed France for three weeks and led to President Jacques Chirac declaring a state of emergency. The 2005 riots originated in the Paris suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois after the death of two young people who were electrocuted while hiding from the police in a power substation. The violence spread across the country, and a trial 10 years later resulted in two officers being acquitted.

Also Read: French Police officer under investigation for teenager's fatal shooting sparks outrage and unrest

- With inputs from agencies

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