1-7-2023 (PARIS) The shooting of a black teenager by French police has sparked widespread anger and protests throughout the country, with many calling for justice and an end to police brutality. The incident occurred during a police raid on a music festival in Nantes last month, when 16-year-old Steve Maia Caniço fell into the Loire River and drowned. His body was found 38 days later, leading to outrage and demonstrations across France.
The protests have since escalated into violent clashes with police, with demonstrations taking place in cities including Marseille, Bordeaux, and Toulouse. Protesters have accused the police of using excessive force and targeting minorities.
In Marseille, a video shared on social media on Friday (30th June) showed a tourist bus carrying 41 Chinese passengers being attacked by a group of masked assailants. The bus was reportedly smashed with rocks and metal bars, and some passengers were injured. French police allegedly took more than half an hour to respond, and the attackers even attempted to abduct some of the passengers. The tour group has cancelled its plans to visit Paris and has left France for Switzerland. Photos circulating on social media show that some of the tourists had bloodstains on their legs.
The Chinese embassy in France has issued a warning to Chinese citizens in the country, urging them to be vigilant and avoid areas of protest and violence. The embassy has also advised individuals to take measures to enhance their personal, vehicle, residence, and business security.
France has experienced a wave of violent protests and deliberate destruction of public facilities and personal property in recent weeks. The transportation system in the Paris region has been significantly affected, and the situation is still escalating.
The Chinese embassy has called on temporary visitors to France to be particularly cautious and prudent when travelling. Individuals are advised to report to the police and contact the Chinese embassy in France for assistance in case of an emergency.
