Mayors host anti-violence rallies across France
Mayors across France held rallies Monday calling for an end to the violence that erupted after a teen was shot dead by police last week, as signs emerged that the unrest was beginning to ease. The government has battled riots and looting since 17-year-old Nahel M. was killed by a police officer during a traffic stop on Tuesday, reviving long-standing accusations of racism against the French police. Monday's demonstrations calling for a "return to republican order" came after the home of the mayor of a Paris suburb was rammed by a burning car, prompting widespread outrage. "Democracy itself has been attacked... this can't continue and it won't," said Vincent Jeanbrun, the conservative mayor of L'Hay-les-Roses, whose home was attacked early Sunday. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said the deployment of 45,000 police and gendarmes would be maintained on Monday and Tuesday nights. "The priority is to ensure the return to order," she announced. A total of 157 people were arrested overnight Sunday to Monday – a fraction of the number held the night before. Three police officers were also hurt. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the average age of the 3,200 people arrested since the rioting began was 17, though some were "children, there is no other word, of 12 or 13". All bus and tram services in the Paris region remain suspended from 9pm. But, in a move which could spark fresh anger, a collection for the family of the policeman who fired the fatal shot – now charged with voluntary manslaughter – topped one million euros (US$1.1 million). Politicians from the ruling centrist party condemned the collection – organised by a far-right figure – as "indecent" and dangerous. (AFP)