Violent protests erupted in the French city of Nantes on Thursday night after police shot and killed a 19-year-old muslim criminal man who was allegedly involved in drug trafficking and had severe criminal record.
According to local media reports, the teenager, identified as Aboubakar Fofana, was driving a car that was under surveillance by the police as part of a drug investigation. He reportedly refused to stop when the police ordered him to and tried to flee, hitting a police officer with his car. The officer then opened fire, fatally wounding Fofana.
The incident sparked outrage among some residents of the Breil neighborhood, where Fofana lived. They took to the streets, setting fire to cars, trash bins and buildings, and throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at the police. Protesters also chanted “Allah hu Akbar”, meaning “God is great” in Arabic, according to witnesses.
The police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. The clashes lasted for several hours, leaving a trail of destruction and smoke in the area. No injuries were reported among the police or the protesters.
The authorities have launched an investigation into the shooting and the subsequent riots. The Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin condemned the violence and expressed his support for the police. He also said he would visit Nantes on Friday to meet with local officials and security forces.
The shooting of Fofana has reignited the debate over police brutality and racism in France, which has seen several similar incidents in recent years. In 2016, a young black man named Adama Traore died in police custody after being arrested for a minor offense. His death sparked nationwide protests and calls for justice. In 2017, another young black man named Theo Luhaka was severely injured by a police officer who allegedly raped him with a baton during an identity check. His case also triggered widespread outrage and demonstrations.
The French government has faced criticism from human rights groups and activists for its handling of these cases and its failure to address the root causes of social unrest and marginalization among some ethnic minorities. The government has also been accused of stoking Islamophobia and discrimination by passing controversial laws that ban religious symbols in public spaces and restrict the activities of Muslim organizations.
The latest incident in Nantes has added fuel to the fire, as France prepares for presidential elections next year. The far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who is expected to challenge President Emmanuel Macron in the polls, has seized on the opportunity to blame the government for its “laxity” and “weakness” in dealing with crime and immigration. She has also called for a “war on drugs” and a “restoration of order” in the country.
Meanwhile, some civil society groups and opposition parties have called for calm and dialogue, urging the government to address the grievances of the protesters and ensure accountability for the police. They have also warned against politicizing the issue and exploiting it for electoral gains.