In France, authorities reported at least 994 arrests as a fourth night of unrest unfolded following the police killing of a young man who was trying to flee a barricade last Tuesday. The figures, released by the Ministry of the Interior, show that despite many arrests, this night was less violent than the one before. A day earlier, about 875 people had been arrested with nearly 300 police officers injured, though none seriously.
“The level of violence last night was lower than the previous night, thanks to the coordinated efforts of internal security forces across the country”, a ministry spokesperson said on Twitter. The total arrests mentioned are approximate and align with the ministry’s broader tallies. Reports from local outlets indicate roughly 1,350 vehicles were set on fire and about 234 buildings sustained damage.
Events outside of Paris
While the surrounding areas, including Seine-Saint-Denis and Nanterre, experienced ongoing turmoil, the Paris region saw a quieter night overall. The unrest was centered in major urban districts connected to the incident involving the young man from Nanterre, Nahel M., who died at 27 following a confrontation at a police barricade.
Riots and looting appeared in several cities beyond the capital, prompting the government to deploy additional security measures. In places such as Marseille, Grenoble, and Lyon, authorities requested reinforcements to maintain order amid late-night disturbances.
From Friday into Saturday, the government mobilized about 45,000 police officers to patrol streets and establish a reinforced security posture. The operation included the use of light armored vehicles supplied by the gendarmerie to bolster rapid response capabilities across multiple cities.
Nahel’s Funeral
Nahel, a 17-year-old of Arab origin, was pronounced dead after a police shooting in Nanterre on the 27th while he was attempting to escape from a checkpoint. Video footage captured by bystanders sparked widespread outrage and fueled protests that spread to numerous neighborhoods across large cities and the greater Paris metropolitan area.
As explained by Nanterre’s mayor, Patrick Jarry, the family plans to honor Nahel with a day of remembrance this coming Saturday. They have asked journalists to respect the family’s wish for a quiet day, describing the event as a moment of memory rather than media spectacle.