Thousands of French nationals took to the streets on Saturday to protest against police violence chanting “Police everywhere, justice nowhere,” “No justice, no peace,” and “Justice for Nahel.” Numerous left-wing bodies organized the demonstrations that were marked by some violent incidents.
According to the Interior Ministry, around 31,300 people protested all over France (including 9,000 in Paris). Trade union “CGT” and left-wing party “LFI” disagree with the figure, reporting approximately 80,000 protesters (including 15,000 in Paris).
CGT and LFI, along with grassroots groups, NGOs (such as Attac, Dernière rénovation, and Les Amis de la Terre), political parties like NPA and EELV, and unions like FSU and Solidaires, had called for this rally.
In Paris, the peaceful march was disrupted by a group of hooded individuals who vandalized bank storefronts and threw objects at a police car stationed in the Boulevard de Clichy, as reported by an AFP journalist.
The motorcycle police unit known as the “BRAV” intervened to salvage the situation and protect the officers, according to the Paris police prefecture. “Three officers sustained minor injuries, with two suffering neck trauma” Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez told BFMTV. “”We are currently working to identify the assaulters,” he added.
In total, six people were arrested across France, said the Interior Ministry in a press release at 7 p.m. “The Parisian ‘demonstration’ witnessed unacceptable violence against law enforcement officers. We can see where anti-police hatred leads,” Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin commented on social media.
Many families gathered under the banner of the “Coordination nationale contre les violences policières”, demanding justice for “Othmane,” “Alassane,” and “Mahamadou,” all victims of police brutality.
Mahamadou Cissé’s sister, Hawa Cissé, 21, stated, “We are fighting for my brother. The man who killed him, a former soldier, was released.” Mahamadou was shot dead in December 2022 in Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes).
Three months ago, the death of 17-year-old Nahel, killed by a police officer during a roadside check in Nanterre, triggered nationwide riots. Protesters held signs reading “Stop State Violence,” “Neither Forgive nor Forget,” and “The Law Kills”, referring to Article 435-1 of the Internal Security Code, which allows law enforcement officers to use force in case of non-compliance.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed support in a letter to police officers and gendarmes on Friday, urging prefects to issue bans if necessary and report any offensive or insulting messages against the institutions of the Republic, the police, and the gendarmerie.