France Protests Prompt UAE’s Call for De-Escalation

Recently, an incident of police shooting in France ignited a wave of protests. This incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice as French citizens and residents demand accountability.

On Tuesday, a French police officer shot Nahel, a 17-year-old of Algerian descent, during a traffic stop near Paris. This incident sparked the protests that flooded France. As these demonstrations captivated global attention.

People in France started fires amidst their protests

Activists believe that Nahel’s race played a factor in the traffic stop and the police officer’s reaction. A study in 2017 by the Rights Defenders found that authorities stopped men perceived to be Black or Arab more than their peers by 20 times.

On Friday, June 30, the United Nations called on France to address “deep issues of racism and discrimination in law enforcement.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated:

“We also emphasize the importance of peaceful assembly. We call on the authorities to ensure use of force by police to address violent elements in demonstrations always respects the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, non-discrimination, precaution and accountability.”

The UAE calls for calm and de-escalation in France

The UAE has expressed its full solidarity with France. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of restoring calm, de-escalation, and respect for the rules and principles of law.

The Ministry affirmed its confidence in France’s ability to overcome current events. It also stated that the country is regarded as a model nation in prioritising the interests of its citizens.

Also, it emphasised the UAE’s position in support of stability and security in France. As well as the broader region and called for the protection of civil facilities and state institutions.

#UAE calls for calm in #France#WamNews https://t.co/aD7FtmAZgi pic.twitter.com/5lNpyaTrsx

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) July 1, 2023

France officially charged the officer who shot Nahel with voluntary homicide

The officer who shot the youth reportedly apologized to the family. Furthermore, the courts charged the officer with voluntary homicide.

Moreover, authorities arrested at least 875 people in major cities around the country on Thursday night. After France deployed around 40,000 police officers to stop protests and rioting over the killing.

President Emmanuel Macron urges parents to keep their children off the streets. While in Paris, protestors set cars alight, despite the heavy police presence.

Watch The Lovin Dubai Show: Dubai-Sharjah In 12 Minutes: Project Approved 

Read More: 93.5% Of Abu Dhabi Residents Feel Safe Walking Alone At Night According To Survey

Get the latest Dubai news direct to your phone RN! Download The Lovin Dubai app for free RIGHT HERE App Store & Play Store to get the latest trending stories to your phone.

Subscribe to the Lovin Abu Dhabi Newsletter!

Click here to sign up for the Lovin Abu Dhabi newsletter to access the latest trending stories!