French nationalists on the streets of Lyon ready to defend their city. #FranceRiots #FranceHasFallen #FranceOnFire pic.twitter.com/kOEDLiiuuW
— Paul Golding (@GoldingBF) July 3, 2023
French mayors hold anti-riot rallies in bid to restore order
Rallies organised by mayors across France on Monday called 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.
Riots and looting have spread across the country since Nahel M, 17, was killed by an officer during a traffic stop on Tuesday, reviving long-standing accusations of racism against the French police.
There were calls for a “return to republican order” at the demonstrations on Monday after the home of the mayor of a Paris suburb was rammed by a burning car, prompting widespread outrage.
French police chief:
‘These aren’t riots, it’s war …They want to kill us’ ⚠️
— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) July 3, 2023