Police in Paris shot dead a father of five at his home, triggering riots for the last two nights in which dozens of arrests have been made and at least three officers hurt.
The latest in a recent spate of demonstrations in the French capital was prompted by the death of Shaoyo Liu, who was reportedly killed in front of his children in his apartment on Sunday night while cutting fish with a pair of scissors.
Police said they had been called to deal with a “family row” and “as soon as they opened the door” Mr Liu attacked an officer, wounding him with a blade. Police said an officer fired at Mr Liu “in self-defence”.
Calvin Job, a lawyer acting for the family, denied the police’s story. An inquiry has begun.
Protests began on Monday night in the multicultural 19th district of Paris after news of the shooting spread. Thirty-five people were arrested during violent clashes which lasted several hours. Barricades were broken down and a car was set on fire. At one point during Tuesday night’s riot, fireworks were directed at police (pictured).
As a result of the unexpected death, China has made a formal complaint to French embassy officials in Beijing.
Hua Chunying, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, said France must protect the “security and rights” of Chinese citizens.
Ms Chunying said: “We hope that our compatriots in France will make their complaints known in a reasonable and legal manner.”
The French foreign ministry said that the security of Chinese citizens in France was a priority for the national authorities.
Earlier this month Heat Street reported that more than 50 teenagers were arrested in Paris after a riot broke out in three schools in the northern suburbs, where social unrest is apparently increasing.
