Unrest continues to grip France for the third consecutive night following the tragic killing of a teenager, with reports indicating that the rioters involved were predominantly Muslims.
Widespread incidents of violence, including arson, looting, and vandalism, have unfolded across the country.
The unrest escalated to the extent that even the largest public library in Marseille fell victim to the flames, symbolising the loss of knowledge and cultural heritage. The city's cultural resources have suffered a severe blow due to this act of destruction, reflecting the deepening crisis of the ongoing unrest.
The outcry began after a 17-year-old teenager named Nahel M, who had Algerian and Moroccan heritage, was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop. The incident occurred when a police officer opened fire, striking the teenager in the chest.
The officer responsible for the shooting is now under investigation for voluntary homicide, and local prosecutors have confirmed that the officer will be held in preventive detention pending further legal proceedings.
Reports indicate that the officer's intention was to prevent a potential car chase, as the teenager had allegedly committed multiple traffic violations, raising concerns for the safety of the officer and others.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the young man's death, describing it as "inexplicable and inexcusable." The public sentiment surrounding this incident, particularly among the Muslim community, has further fueled the ongoing unrest in the country.
In response to the escalating situation, the French Interior Ministry announced that it is mobilizing 40,000 police officers to address the riots that have spread across the nation. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin denounced the night of violence, describing it as unusually intense.
The number of arrests made during the unrest has significantly increased compared to previous operations, reflecting the government's determination to take a firm stance against the rioters, some of whom are believed to be Muslims.
According to the interior minister, a total of 667 individuals were arrested, with 307 of those apprehensions occurring in the Paris region alone. The Paris police headquarters confirmed these figures.
Reports indicate that around 200 police officers sustained injuries during the clashes, although no information is available regarding injuries among the general population.
Rioters, many of whom are Muslims, targeted various institutions such as schools, town halls, and police stations, setting fires and causing widespread damage.
To quell the unrest, police resorted to using tear gas, water cannons, and dispersion grenades against the rioters, as reported by a national police spokesperson. The situation remains volatile, with the authorities striving to regain control and restore peace and order in the affected areas.
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