Hundreds Arrested as France’s Riots Rage On, Buildings Ablaze

Paris: Hundreds more individuals have been arrested in a fifth night of riots in France, following the police killing of a 17-year-old. The protests, led mostly by minors, have resulted in car fires, damage to infrastructure, and clashes with law enforcement. The incident, captured on video and shared on social media, has intensified anger over police violence against minorities, revealing deep racial tensions in the country.

During the latest night of unrest, 719 arrests were made, with 45 police officers injured. Significant damage occurred, including the torching of 577 vehicles, 74 buildings set on fire, and 871 fires set in public spaces. Over 20 police stations and gendarmerie barracks were also attacked.

The mayor of a town near Paris reported that rioters rammed a car into his home, injuring his wife and child, and starting a fire. The attack was condemned by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne as “intolerable” and is being investigated as attempted murder by prosecutors.

Approximately 45,000 police officers were deployed throughout France, with additional reinforcements sent to flashpoint cities such as Lyon, Grenoble, and Marseille. The massive police presence helped contain the violence to some extent, according to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.

President Emmanuel Macron, who had planned a state visit to Germany, postponed the trip due to the seriousness of the situation. Macron will lead a crisis meeting with his government to address the ongoing protests.

To mitigate further violence, curfews have been declared in several towns, public transportation services have been limited, and the sale of fireworks and inflammable substances has been banned.

The unrest has garnered international attention, leading to updated travel advisories from countries like Britain, warning tourists to avoid affected areas. Iran called on France to end the violent treatment of its people, while China’s consulate in Marseille advised its citizens to exercise caution due to recent incidents involving Chinese tourists.

The riots have disrupted cultural and entertainment events, including the cancellation of concerts and fashion shows. A 38-year-old policeman has been charged with voluntary homicide in connection with the teenager’s death.

The United Nations rights office urged France to address issues of racism and discrimination within law enforcement, while the French foreign ministry dismissed claims of systemic discrimination in the police force as baseless.