A fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old has sparked outrage in France, with excessive police violence being criticized based on video footage. Riots broke out in Parisian suburbs, with cars set on fire.
Violent clashes in Parisian suburbs
Serious riots erupted in the suburb of Nanterre following a fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old driver during a police check. According to French media reports, angry individuals set trash bins, cars, and a primary school on fire, while throwing large quantities of exploding fireworks at law enforcement officers. Barricades were erected between high-rise buildings, hindering the efforts of firefighters.
The unrest, which began on Tuesday evening with a demonstration in front of the Nanterre police station, spread to neighboring areas during the night. In Mantes-la-Jolie, a town hall was set on fire. Although tear gas and rubber bullets were deployed by the police, they were forced to withdraw in the face of massive attacks. According to authorities, 15 people were arrested.
Arrest on suspicion of manslaughter
Regarding the circumstances of the teenager’s death, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office stated that the incident occurred during a traffic stop on Tuesday morning. A police motorcycle patrol had pulled over the car, which was occupied by three people.
The teenager died on the scene as a result of the police shooting. His passenger was initially detained but later released. The police are searching for another occupant of the car who fled. According to the prosecutor’s office, the officer who fired the shot was placed in police custody on suspicion of manslaughter.
Video contradicts police statement
Lawyers representing the family of the deceased 17-year-old disputed reports from the police, which claimed that the officers feared for their lives because the driver threatened to run them over. Additionally, the legal team cited a video circulating on the internet that allegedly shows the traffic check escalating.
The video has been verified by French news outlet France Info. It shows a police officer aiming their weapon at the driver’s door of a stationary car. The area in front of the car was clear. When the driver suddenly accelerated, the officer reportedly fired at close range. Shortly after, the car is seen crashing into a lamppost.
Following the death of the young driver, the police oversight authority initiated an investigation to clarify the incident, according to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.
Debate over excessive police violence
The fatal police intervention has sparked outrage in France, and the video footage has led to allegations of completely excessive police violence. The 17-year-old was said to have been known to the police due to previous traffic offenses and was reportedly stopped this time for a similar violation, as reported by France Info.
As a result, the latest death during a police operation has triggered a fierce political debate. “The death penalty no longer exists in France. No police officer has the right to kill unless it is a matter of self-defense,” tweeted left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The police are tarnishing the authority of the state and must undergo fundamental reform.