Riots in cities across France are entering their third week following allegations that a young black man was raped by a police officer in the suburbs of Paris earlier this month.
According to reports more than 50 anti-police demonstrators were detained this week following clashes in and around the French capital (pictured) and also in Rouen, Normandy and Lille in the northeast of the country.
It is estimated that about 300 people in total have been arrested since the incidents began at the start of the month. Protestors threw stones at riot police, who fought back with tear gas. Cars have also been torched.
The Times of London reported this morning that President Hollande’s government “fears that the unrest will escalate into riots across France’s suburban council estates, which are home to immigrant communities, high unemployment and a flourishing drugs trade.”
The protests began when video footage emerged of the arrest of Théo Luhaka, 22, from Aulnay-sous-Bois, on February 2. He intervened when he saw officers questioning someone in the street. It’s been alleged that Mr Luhaka was subsequently beaten and sexually assaulted by an officer with a truncheon. One officer has been placed under investigation on suspicion of rape and three others for assault. The men deny the charges and have been suspended from duty.
Mr Luhaka was discharged from hospital yesterday but he has apparently suffered severe internal injuries which his family say could affect him for the rest of his life.
Marine Le Pen, the National Front leader, has launched a petition “to support the police” after blaming “laxism in French society” for the problems prevalent in the suburbs.
