It is necessary to think about the use of social networks by young protesters and possible bans, Macron said at the meeting, as reported by broadcaster BFMTV.
“And when things get out of hand, you may need to put yourself in a position to regulate or shut them down. You shouldn’t do this on the spur of the moment, and I’m glad we don’t have to do it,” the French president said at a meeting with 241 mayors of cities particularly affected by the unrest.
Macron: Escalation of violence on social media
Macron has previously blamed social media for the escalation of violence at protests against police violence on Friday. Violent meetings were organized there.
APA/AFP Macron at his meeting with mayors
Macron, on the other hand, said that dealing with social networks should be thought about calmly. “Because when it becomes a tool for meetings or for trying to kill, it’s a real problem.”
Borne: Fines for parents of underage protesters
Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced that she would also take action against parents of underage protesters. They must face fines and undergo training on parental responsibility, Borne told parliament on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Justice will issue a corresponding instruction shortly. The head of government spoke out in favor of a strict stance on law and order in society. The court system must ensure that even minor offenses are prosecuted during riots.
Interior Minister warns against stigmatizing foreigners
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has warned against stigmatizing foreigners. “The issue today is about criminals, not foreigners,” Darmanin said. Of the 4,000 people detained in recent days, less than ten percent do not have French citizenship, and only 40 of them are at risk of detention pending deportation.
Portal/Nacho Doce After the death of a 17-year-old, there were days of protests, which were overshadowed by riots
“We don’t want hatred of the police or hatred of foreigners. We want love for the republic.” It is possible to have a migratory background, come from the periphery and love the country, said Darmanin angrily at the podium. In this context, the Minister also underlined in Parliament that investigations are not being carried out against the entire police force. Not all residents of the suburbs are blamed for the riots, but only some criminals.
17-year-old boy dies after being shot by police
Since the death of 17-year-old Nahel by a police bullet during a traffic stop on Tuesday last week, France has been rocked by serious unrest. There were repeated looting, arson attacks and violent clashes between police and protesters.
The officer who shot the young man is being investigated on suspicion of manslaughter. He’s in custody. On Tuesday night there were again isolated riots. 72 people were arrested, significantly fewer than at the height of the riots.
Controversial fundraising campaign stopped
Controversial fundraising for the family of the officer who shot the 17-year-old has been cut short.
So said initiator Jean Messiha, a former spokesman for far-right politician Eric Zemmour, known for his radical views. Fundraising for the police officer on the GoFundMe platform has so far raised 1.5 million euros.