Hundreds of people have been arrested in France since the riots began
France Riots: As a fourth night of riots approaches in France, officials are deploying 45,000 police officers and armored vehicles. The riots stem from a fatal shooting by police during a traffic stop, involving a teenager Nahel M.
The unrest has affected several cities in France, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Strasbourg, and Lille.
Riots in France: More than 1,300 People Arrested, riots Sparked by Police Killing of Teen
A 17-year-old named Nahel M. was shot and killed by police in the Nanterre suburb of Paris. The incident was captured on video and sparked the riots witnessed across the country.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin reported that 270 individuals were arrested on Friday night, bringing the total number of arrests to 1,100 since the protests began.
In Marseille, rioters broke into a gun store and stole several hunting rifles, although they did not take any ammunition.
The Mayor of Marseille, Benoit Payan, expressed his frustration on Friday via a tweet, stating that the French government should send additional troops. He emphasized that the scenes of looting and violence were unacceptable.
Darmanin has asked local authorities to halt bus and tram services after 9 p.m. Additionally, he mentioned that 45,000 officers are being deployed.
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“I understand that the coming hours will be crucial, and I have full confidence in your unwavering dedication,” he wrote in a message to the firefighters and police officers of the country.
When questioned on a television news channel about the possibility of the government declaring a state of emergency, he replied, “We are not excluding any possibility, and we will wait to see what decision the President of the Republic makes after tonight.”