French Police detains scores of protesters in Marseille, Lyon: Reports

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
1 Jul 2023 08:37
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About 45,000 officers were deployed across the nation last night to contain the protests.

Police officers pass by charred cars in Nanterre, outside Paris, France, Saturday, July 1, 2023 (AP Photo/Lewis Joly)

BMF TV reported on Friday, citing police sources, that a total of 80 people have been arrested in Marseille in connection to the ongoing protests being held over the murder of 17-year-old Nahel M. on Tuesday.

As per footage shown by the broadcaster, protesters were seen damaging private and public property, including passing cars and looting shops.

In the city of Lyon, about 20 people were detained on Friday in connection with the protests there, the broadcaster added.

Nahel was shot in the chest at point-blank range on Tuesday in the western region of Paris after he was pulled over for allegedly breaking traffic rules in a yellow Mercedes. His mother called for a march in tribute to her only child.

The police officer responsible for the shooting was accused and held in jail pending trial, according to prosecutors. The investigating magistrate accused the officer of voluntary murder and placed him on temporary arrest following the event.

On Friday, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on the French government to "seriously address the deep problems of racism and discrimination in law enforcement" after Nahel was murdered.

About 45,000 officers were deployed across the nation last night to contain the protests. 40,000 law enforcers were deployed the previous night, as per Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.

In the third consecutive night of the protests, about 667 people were arrested by law enforcers from Thursday to Friday overnight, Darmanin added.

One protester reportedly passed away after succumbing to his injuries from falling from the roof of a shop in northwest France, sources reported.