2024-07-25 10:44:11
“We are concerned by the killing of a 17-year-old boy of North African origin by police in France on Tuesday. We note that an investigation has been opened into allegations of voluntary manslaughter. This is the time for the country (France) to seriously address the deep-seated problems of racism and discrimination within law enforcement,” the spokesperson said.
She also called on the authorities to “ensure that the use of force by the police to combat violent elements during demonstrations always respects the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, non-discrimination, precaution and responsibility.”
Any allegations of disproportionate use of force must be promptly investigated, the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights insisted.
A video sequence showing a police officer shooting young Nahel at point-blank range on Tuesday morning during a traffic stop shocked the country and sparked a wave of indignation and reactions.
Violence broke out on the evening of the tragedy in Nanterre and in several towns in the Île-de-France region, before spreading the following night to other towns in France.
This Thursday, clashes between young people and the police occurred at the end of the silent march organized in Nanterre to pay tribute to the victim, while tensions were ongoing in Marseille, Lille and Lyon early in the evening.
Fearing further violence, the authorities of the Île-de-France region have decided to stop buses and trams in the Île-de-France region from 9 p.m. on Thursday evening, while the towns of Clamart and Compiègne have declared night-time curfews.
Faced with the risk of the situation escalating, like the suburban riots of 2005, the Interior Ministry has announced the mobilisation of 40,000 police officers and gendarmes throughout France.
2024-07-25 10:44:11