Western Reader
Unrest erupted in Paris. It has now swiftly spread to various other towns and cities in France after the death of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk, during a traffic stop.
Over 45,000 police or Gendarmerie were deployed by the French government to quail riots going almost entirely unchecked.
Historic Levels of Violence Not Witnessed in Over Two Decades
France’s interior ministry said over 2,000 arrests had been made over the five-day long period.
At the same time, a total of 45 law enforcement officers have been injured. Approximately 577 vehicles were set ablaze, 74 structures were ignited, and 871 fires were started by arsonists in streets and other public areas.
In the north of France, near the city of Maubeuge.
The civil war is into its sixth night. #FranceRiots #FranceHasFallen #FranceOnFire pic.twitter.com/qRY4hCUwzB— Paul Golding (@GoldingBF) July 2, 2023
According to Gregory Joron, the Secretary-General of the Unite SGP Police FO union, the level of urban violence witnessed in various cities across France has been unprecedented in the past 18 years.
President Emmanuel Macron’s reactions have been inconsistent, calling Nahel’s death inexcusable, but he also blamed the riots on everything from video games to social media.
The riots have seen arson, vandalism, and mass lootings of commercial outlets, including vagrants breaking into a gun store in Marseilles and stealing weaponry.
More and more football fans are starting to patrol the streets in France amid the escalating riots and looting
This video shows young supporters of Lyon out on the streets in the city tonight.
Vigilantism is on the rise in France.
Via @thecasualultra pic.twitter.com/Y6udNAcQQu
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 2, 2023
Rioters were, however, witnessed taking out surveillance cameras with guns. Others unleashed rounds into the air.
Macron Reportedly Ignored the Outbreak of Riots for Three Days Before Addressing Them
Macron faced criticism for his relatively passive response for three evenings, seen at a party with British singer Elton John, while French police clashed with rioters.
According to Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti, the median age for arrests in the last few evenings has been 17. Macron subsequently advised parents to look after their young.
To curb the continuing violence, public transportation services, such as buses and trams in France, have ceased operations after 9:00 pm. Also, the sale of large fireworks and flammable liquids has been prohibited.
Macron has not declared a state of emergency, but he canceled his expected visit to Germany.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki compared the relative stability in Poland to France, which has been engulfed in mass immigration.
This article appeared in The Political Globe and has been published here with permission.
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