At least 150 people have been arrested across France on a second night of mass unrest over Tuesday’s fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy by police near Paris during a traffic check.
Town halls, Schools and Police stations were set on fire. President Emmanuel Macron said this was “unjustifiable”.
The Police officer who opened fire is now under formal investigation for voluntary homicide.
Nahel M was shot at point-blank range as he drove away from police.
French prosecutors argue that the use of a firearm was not legally justified.
On Wednesday morning, President Macron held a crisis cabinet meeting to discuss the escalating riots.
Earlier, Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin said that France had witnessed “a night of unbearable violence”.
Clashes were reported overnight across suburbs of Paris, but some of the most violent confrontations were in Nanterre, where the teenager was shot dead.
Local authorities were forced to partially withdraw, Le Monde reported.
Videos shared on social media showed cars being set alight and shops being ransacked on Wednesday across the Paris region.
A prison in Fresnes, south of the capital, was also attacked with fireworks by rioters overnight, AFP reported.
The news agency said videos showed about 20 young men attacking the entrance to the prison with fireworks and projectiles. Videos shared to social media showed an alarm sounding during the attack.
Following Tuesday’s shooting, prominent French actor Omar Sy posted a photo of Nahel, saying his “thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones” of the teenager.
BBC / Titilayo Kupoliyi
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