By Roz Edward
(Source Pittsburgh Courier):
An unfortunate incident unfolded in France last week. According to the Associated Press, a police officer fatally shot and took the life of a 17-year-old Black delivery driver on June 27 in a Paris suburb. The devastating turn of events has not only triggered profound outrage but also sparked urgent calls for justice. Residents have taken to the streets to express their collective anger.
According to the lawyers representing the victim’s family, the police officer responsible for this tragic act has been detained on suspicion of manslaughter. The fatal shooting occurred during a routine traffic check, leaving the community stunned.
Justice for Nahel. A 17 year-old French-Algerian killed by police at point-blank range, utterly defenceless. They lied claiming he’d ‘threatened’ them until a video emerged of an officer saying “I am going to lodge a bullet in your head”.
The police are lying, racist killers. pic.twitter.com/xNb0NnhGOB
— Khadija (@khadljasays) June 29, 2023
Identified as Nahel M., the young delivery driver tragically died after sustaining a gunshot wound at the scene. While one passenger in the vehicle was briefly apprehended and subsequently released, authorities were actively searching for another passenger who managed to flee the scene.
According to his grandmother, who spoke to a French journalist, the young victim had aspired to become a mechanic, a dream that now remains unfulfilled. Describing him as a kind and nice young man, she shared fond memories of him, reflecting the profound loss felt by his loved ones.
Clashes erupted during protests on the streets of Nanterre, France, where 17-year-old Nahel M., who was of Algerian descent, was shot by police at close range this week. Several thousand people joined the protest, which was led by Nahel’s mother.
Police fired tear gas at… pic.twitter.com/8niibpYwNH
— red. (@redstreamnet) June 29, 2023
The shocking nature of this incident, combined with the rarity of such deadly use of force by law enforcement in France, has drawn national attention to the systemic issues plaguing the country’s marginalized communities.
The community is demanding justice and an end to the unchecked violence against them and other marginalized areas.https://twitter.com/redstreamnet/status/1674393222469099522?s=20 In the midst of these tumultuous events, below is a gallery of photos capturing the atmosphere in Paris during and after the protests, serving as a visual representation of the community’s outcry and determination for justice.
Hundreds of people gather to protest and commemorate 17-year-old Nahel, who was shot in the chest by police in Nanterre on June 29, 2023, in Paris, France. | Source: Firas Abdullah/Anadolu Agency / Getty
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne (L) and French Junior Minister for Cities and Housing Olivier Klein (C-R) speak to the press in front of the burnt facade of the Hotel du ville in Garges-les-Gonesse, north of Paris on June 29, 2023. | Source: STEFANO RELLANDINI / Getty
Forensics police examine the front of the burnt Hotel du ville in Garges-les-Gonesse, north of Paris on June 29, 2023. | Source: STEFANO RELLANDINI / Getty
Damage analysis laboratory in Rouen, Chatelet neighborhood, northwestern France, on June 29, 2023. | Source: LOU BENOIST / Getty
Protestors set garbage containers on fire to protest the death of 17-year-old Nahel, in Paris, France on June 29, 2023. | Source: Protestors set garbage containers / Getty
Fireworks explode as firefighters stand by during protests in Nanterre, west of Paris, on June 28, 2023. | Source: Zakaria ABDELKAFI / Getty
Riot police stand near a burning vehicle during protests in Nanterre, west of Paris, on June 28, 2023. | Source: Zakaria ABDELKAFI / Getty
A firefighter looks on as vehicles burn following riots in Nanterre, west of Paris, on June 28, 2023. | Source: Zakaria Abedlkafi / Getty
The French government has stated that it will deploy 40,000 police officers. Adopting a zero-tolerance approach in neighborhoods where individuals have torched buildings and vehicles. As investigations continue, it is crucial that a thorough examination of the circumstances takes place and the responsible officers are held accountable
