The riots in France were ignited by the killing of a 17-year-old boy named Nahel by the police. These riots have been ongoing for five nights and have resulted in widespread looting, vandalism, and violence.
Following Nahel’s death, hundreds of mourners gathered in Nanterre, the Paris suburb where he was killed, for his burial. The funeral was a somber event, and many mourners were visibly anguished.
In an attempt to quell the unrest, the French government has deployed 45,000 police officers. However, the riots have persisted, with reports of tear gas and water cannons being used by the police to disperse the crowds.
These riots have brought up serious concerns regarding race and policing in France, as many believe that Nahel was targeted because he was a young Black man. They have also highlighted the significant social and economic divisions present in the country.
The duration of the riots remains uncertain, but they have undoubtedly exposed deep-seated issues within French society.
