Key takeaways:
- Violence erupted in several towns across France following the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by police.
- 170 officers were injured in the clashes and 180 people were arrested.
- Activists have renewed calls to tackle systemic police abuse, particularly in neighborhoods with poverty and racial or class discrimination.
On Wednesday night, violence erupted in several towns across France as angry crowds attacked police stations, town halls, schools and public transport. This was the second night of unrest following the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by police. The police officer accused of the killing is in custody on suspicion of manslaughter and could face preliminary charges as soon as Thursday.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that 170 officers were injured in the clashes and 180 people were arrested. He added that 40,000 police would be deployed around the country Thursday night amid fears of more violence.
Activists have renewed calls to tackle what they see as systemic police abuse, particularly in neighborhoods like the one where the 17-year-old lived. Many residents in these areas struggle with poverty and racial or class discrimination.
Government officials have condemned the killing and sought to distance themselves from the police officer’s actions. Videos of the shooting shared online have sparked outrage and calls for justice. Minister Darmanin vowed to restore “justice, calm and freedom.”
The situation in France remains tense as authorities brace for more violence. It is unclear what the outcome of the investigation into the police officer’s actions will be.
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