Skip to content
Magazine
Friday, August 1, 2025
SUBSCRIBE
  • About Us
  • Belgium News
    • Belgium Police News
    • Brussels News
  • EU Institutions News
    • European Commission News
    • European Parliament News
    • European Council News
  • Europe News
  • World News
  • Belgium Business News
  • Culture and Society News
  • In Depth
    • Ambassador’s Corner
    • The American Angle
    • Sustainable Perspective
    • Europe With Transparency
    • Place de la Bourse
    • The Macro-Economist
    • Southeast Europe
  • About Us
  • Belgium News
    • Belgium Police News
    • Brussels News
  • EU Institutions News
    • European Commission News
    • European Parliament News
    • European Council News
  • Europe News
  • World News
  • Belgium Business News
  • Culture and Society News
  • In Depth
    • Ambassador’s Corner
    • The American Angle
    • Sustainable Perspective
    • Europe With Transparency
    • Place de la Bourse
    • The Macro-Economist
    • Southeast Europe
SUBSCRIBE

Protests Erupt in France After Racist Police Killing of Teenager

Martin Banks by Martin Banks
11 May 2024
in Europe News
NANTERRE, FRANCE - JUNE 29:  29: Crowds protest during a memorial march for French teenager, Nahel, who was killed by police on June 29, 2023 in Nanterre, France. A French teenager of North African origin was shot dead by police on June 27th, the third fatal traffic stop shooting this year in France - causing nationwide unrest and clashes with police forces. On June 28th, the victim's family called for a memorial march starting at Nanterre's main police station on June 29th. (Photo by Abdulmonam Eassa/Getty Images)

NANTERRE, FRANCE - JUNE 29: 29: Crowds protest during a memorial march for French teenager, Nahel, who was killed by police on June 29, 2023 in Nanterre, France. A French teenager of North African origin was shot dead by police on June 27th, the third fatal traffic stop shooting this year in France - causing nationwide unrest and clashes with police forces. On June 28th, the victim's family called for a memorial march starting at Nanterre's main police station on June 29th. (Photo by Abdulmonam Eassa/Getty Images)

Belgium (Brussels Morning newspaper), Campaigners have “strongly condemned” what they call the “racist police brutality” that led to the “tragic and senseless murder” of 17-year-old Nael at the hands of the French police. 

French President Macron has described this incident as “inexplicable and unforgivable.” 

The death has led to widespread rioting on the streets of various cities in France, including Paris.

Brussels-based rights group the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), in a statement, said, “Once again, we witness violent policing resulting in the death of a young black teenager, raising urgent questions about the excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies, particularly towards racialized groups in Europe and, in this case, in France.”

The statement added, “The circulation of the video depicting this incident on social media, authenticated by the French news agency AFP, demonstrates the impunity involved. Tragically, a majority of lethal police shootings during traffic stops often involve black or Arab individuals. This incident underscores the failure of so-called comprehensive reforms within law enforcement agencies to address systemic issues. 

“Instead, it necessitates a redefinition of policing that prioritizes the well-being of our communities.”

Emmanuel Achiri, ENAR Policy and Advocacy Advisor on Policing told this site: “ENAR stands in solidarity with Nael’s family and loved ones, extending our deepest condolences for their devastating loss. We also express our solidarity with all individuals and communities affected by police violence. It is crucial for us to come together as a society to address these systemic issues and strive for a future where every person, especially racialized, feels safe and protected by the authorities meant to serve them.”

The official went on, “In a context where police brutality incidents have dramatically risen in France, a thorough and impartial investigation into this incident is essential to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. A just and equitable society requires trust between the community and the police. 

“To guarantee transparency and accountability, an independent body must be established to investigate the racist killing of Nael by the French police, with the inclusion of representatives from racialized groups at all levels. 

Further reaction to the incident came from Ojeaku Nwabuzo, ENAR Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Network Development, who said, “We applaud the decision of French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin to take legal action against the police syndicate group, France Police, which released a tweet justifying the racist murder of Nael and celebrating the actions of the police officer.

 “We will closely monitor developments and expect rigorous actions not only to penalize the members of this group but also to ensure that individuals harboring such beliefs are removed from law enforcement altogether.” 

ENAR has now called on the French government to take immediate action to address the concerns raised by civil society organizations and human rights groups regarding “impunity and racialized policing in France.”

It said, “While every loss of life is a tragedy, the untimely end of a young person’s future due to racist police violence demands immediate justice and reform.  Incidents like this only widen the gap between law enforcement and the people they are meant to protect. Only through collaborative efforts and a redefinition of policing can we hope to bring about meaningful change and ensure that tragedies like this do not occur again.”

Related News:

  • Protests erupt across France over new security law
  • Six dead as armed clashes erupt in Beirut protest over blast probe judge
  • Teenager harassed over anti-Islam video upheld in French court
  • European Union anti-racist groups push forward equality agenda to break legislative deadlock
Tags: Brussels LatestNews
Next Post

All you need is love (and a little AI)

Latest post

EU-elections-UK

EU elections: UK looks on from the “outside”

1 year ago
Galeries-Royales-Saint-Hubert

What Makes Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert an “Institution”?

1 year ago

Most Read

    Follow Brussels Morning
    Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin

    Browse Important News

    Belgium News
    Brussels News
    Culture and Society News
    Economy News
    EU Institutions News
    European Commission News
    European Council News
    European Parliament News
    Europe News
    Health And Fitness News
    Southeast Europe News
    Sustainable Perspective
    World News
    Diplomacy News
    US Elections News

    About Us

    Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.

    More Info

    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Cookies Policy

    Join Our Newsletter

    Brussels Morning Newspaper – All Rights Reserved © 2024

    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Belgium News
      • Belgium Police News
      • Brussels News
    • Brussels Bubble
      • European Parliament News
      • European Commission News
      • European Council News
    • Wider Europe
      • Member States
    • World News
    • Business & Society
    • Europe With Transparency
    • Culture & Society
    • Policy Talks
      • Place de la Bourse
      • The Macro-Economist
      • Sustainable Perspective
      • Ambassador’s Corner
      • The American Angle
      • Southeast Europe
    • Print Magazine

    Brussels Morning Newspaper - All Rights Reserved © 2020

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT