Thousands of people have taken to the streets across France to protest against police violence and racism, some three months after the country was rocked by massive riots following the death of a young man.
At a rally in Paris, demonstrators attacked a police car with iron rods, French broadcaster BFTMV reported. One person was injured, according to the report.
Some 100 rallies took place nationwide, called by numerous organisations and initiatives nearly three months after the death of a youth during a police check near Paris.
They denounced systemic racism, police violence and growing social inequalities, which particularly affect the inhabitants of the suburbs of major cities.
There were massive riots in these areas after the death of 17-year-old Nahel by a police bullet. The riots, which included arson and looting, lasted for days and affected the whole country.
The riots were sparked by video footage showing that the young man did not try to run over the officers during the police check, as the officers had initially stated.
The authorities eventually restored calm with a massive police presence.
Since then, the government of President Emmanuel Macron has neither presented a concept to improve the situation in the socially isolated suburbs nor has the police behaviour been critically analysed.
According to a report by the Inspectorate General of the National Police (IGPN), a total of 38 people died and 66 were injured in police operations in 2022, with 37 deaths and 79 injuries in 2021.
Australian Associated Press
