- By Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
The current unrest and rioting in France is a reaction of the people of France to the death of a 17-year-old boy of Algerian descent Nahel Merzouk by France Police officer on Tuesday 27th June 2023.
As a matter of fact the death of Merzouk was so grievous to the vast majority of France citizens that it led to a protest by majorly fellow teenagers of the deceased.
2,000 protesters have been in detention and about 522 police officers and gendarmes were injured as a result of France unrest on Tuesday.
There have been series of questions about the killing of Merzouk by France Police. A co- passenger in the vehicle clarified: “There are a lot of lies on social media”.
He and Nahel were driving around the Nanterre suburb in a borrowed vehicle with polish license plates when they were pulled over by police officers on motorbikes. Contrary to initial reports, the young men were not under the influence of any substances. It was a routine encounter, or so they thought.
As one of the officers approached Nahel’s window, a chilling threat was uttered: “Cut the engine or I’ll shoot you.” Without any warning, the officer struck Nahel in the face with his weapon, followed by another officer joining in the assault.
The development brings to reality the current unrest in France is a result of the brutal display by France Police officer, who is expected to be a defender of truth and justice to the people he has been empowered by the government to secure.
A police officer is expected to appear with his or her uniform and the people will be excited not frightened.
A Police officer is expected to be an Angel in human form.
But in a case whereby the weapon given to protect is being used by the Police officer in question to oppress the people then disciplinary actions needs to be taken.
Report have it that the France killer Police officer have been in detention and investigation is been carried out.
Imagine in the training of Law Adjudication 7 years is been spent most especially in my Country Nigeria whereas in the training of Law enforcement less than a year is been spent.
There needs to be proper training and retraining including mental examination of law enforcement agent expecially police officers.
There needs to be an educational curriculum for the law enforcement Profession, in this case those who are patient to undergo due process of formal training will be worthy of the Profession.
Not everyone is qualify or fit to be a Police officer.
France President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Germany between 2nd of July to 4th July but the Visit has been postponed due to the unrest in the country, the Visit which is expected to be the first within 27years by France President.
The Mayors of 220 Towns from accross the country which were attacked in 6 nights unrest at the aftermath of police brutality that resulted to the shooting of the 7 year old boy in suburban Paris has been visited by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The President stated that the peak of violence had passed and announced new laws to speed up the reconstruction of what was destroyed. Rather most mayors desire more.
President of the French Mayors’ Association, David Lisnard said: “The dealers are running things, installing their own order
“Unfortunately, that’s the sad reality, but it’s what we experience every time there’s an urban riot in our communities. And we know very well that in a few weeks, a few months, a few years, there will be urban riots again.
“And that requires immediate action to restore order, of course, and regal authority, which is what I’m telling you, and then, at the same time, a profound effort, totally different from what has been done for the last thirty years.”
Base on the figures release by French Government, the average age of the 3,354 people arrested in previous week was 17.
The riot was triggered by provocative statements about Muslims and Algerians in France by major media outlets and Political elites in the weeks leading up to the shooting of the boy.
Read Also: Macron cancels Germany visit as violent protests in France enter fourth night
There has been series of speculations about visit to France during this Holiday Season by Tourists.
As stated by Martin Luther king Jr “Protest is the language of the unheard”, with this, protesters should be well coordinated about their demonstration by making it a peaceful process of ventilating their vengeance to the Government because violent protest is a way of destroying their social amenities.
Akingbohungbe writes from Ogun State via oluwadaratemidayo@gmail.com.