A peace march held to honour the French-Algerian teenager shot dead by a Paris police officer descended into violence on Thursday.
Fighting between riot control officers and gangs of youths broke out at the so-called “White March” in the suburb of Nanterre.
It was there that the 17-year-old identified as Nahel was killed on Tuesday morning as he sat at the wheel of a car that had been stopped by two traffic control officers.
This led to two nights of serious rioting in cities and towns across France, as lawyers for Nahel’s family described the horror as “an execution”.
Some 6,000 people had joined the so-called White March – a traditional show of respect in France, when mourners wear white and remember somebody who has died.
Among those taking part was Nahel’s mother, Monica, who placed herself on a truck while wearing a “Justice for Nahel” T-shirt.
“I am for Nahel, I am for Nahel!” she chanted, as peaceful members of the crowd responded with the words, “Justice for Nahel! Justice for Nahel!”
But as the match progressed, youths began to light fires, and to throw projectiles at the hundreds of riot police in the area.
Within minutes, large clouds of thick black smoke were mingling with tear gas fired by the officers.
“The atmosphere is very tense, and violence is ongoing,” said a local police spokesman.
The demonstration came as President Emmanuel Macron convened a crisis meeting with police chiefs and senior minister, at which it was agreed to put an extra 40000 police on the streets.
Police made 150 arrests nationwide during a second night of unrest between Wednesday and Thursday.
Town halls and schools were among the buildings put to the torch, as Gerald Darmanin, France’s Interior Minister called it “a night of unbearable violence against symbols of the republic”.
In a tweet posted on Thursday he added: “Town halls, schools and police stations set on fire or attacked. 150 arrests.
“Support for the police, gendarmes and firefighters who face up with courage. Shame on those who did not call for calm.”
The Paris policeman who shot a teenage driver dead and sparked riots across France has claimed he killed the youth because he “appeared to be dangerous”.
Florian M., as the 38-year-old officer is being referred to by the authorities, was on Thursday remanded in custody while facing a murder charge.
