France: Protests and associated violence over June 27 police-involved shooting likely to continue in cities nationwide through at least early July /update 4

Event

Protests and associated incidents of violence in reaction to the June 27 police-involved killing of a teenager near Paris will likely continue in cities across France into at least early July. Demonstrations and clashes first broke out in the Paris suburb of Nanterre shortly after reports of the teenager's death emerged, spreading to several cities elsewhere in the country over the night of June 27-28. The protests and violence intensified during the night of June 28-29, with acts of vandalism being reported in a number of urban areas. Overnight June 29-30, clashes and rioting spread to multiple towns and cities, and crowds looted stores in central Paris. A bus depot and a number of town halls and other government buildings have been damaged in arson attacks. Authorities report over 600 arrests in connection with the violence, and over 200 police officers have been injured.

As of June 30, tensions remain high nationwide as authorities prepare for further rioting in the coming days. Public transport is severely disrupted in the Paris region as the transport operator RATP has suspended numerous bus, tram, metro, and RER train lines: details can be found here. Other major cities are likely to suspend public transport services. Curfews have been announced in a number of towns in the Paris region. These include:

Clamart: 21:00-06:00 until July 3
Meudon: 22:00-06:00 until July 1
Neuilly-sur-Marne: 23:00-06:00 until July 3
Savigny-le-Temple: 22:00-05:00 until July 2.

Further curfews are likely to be announced if violence continues. As of June 30, there are no reports of authorities canceling major events or closing public spaces, however this may change if the security situation worsens. President Macron will chair a government crisis meeting, June 30, which may result in further measures.

The security situation could deteriorate through the weekend of July 1-2; unconfirmed reports suggest that authorities are anticipating the violence to spread further over the coming days with rioters potentially targeting police personnel, government facilities, and public property. Authorities will maintain an extraordinarily high security posture nationwide until the civil unrest abates. Initially, the Ministry of the Interior deployed about 2,000 additional police officers in Paris in response to the situation; however, as of June 30, the government has significantly increased its security deployments to 40,000 security personnel nationwide, with 5,000 officers in Paris.

The government may extend the duration of or expand the existing measures to encompass additional areas depending on the severity of the perceived threat. Further demonstrations of varying types are highly likely over the coming days and could materialize in virtually any city. Associated disruptions to transport and business operations are also highly likely.

Context

On June 27, riots began in Nanterre northwest of Paris after a police officer shot and killed a local 17-year-old after he allegedly refused to comply with unspecified orders. Demonstrators took to the streets soon after the incident, engaging in arson and vandalism. Authorities deployed riot police and firefighters, which prompted clashes. The violence initially spread to a number of other suburbs in the Ile-de-France region, including Noisy-le-Sec and Saint-Denis, before extending to several major cities nationwide. Protesters have set trash fires in streets, and torched public transport vehicles, public buildings, and at least one bank. A June 29 memorial procession in Nanterre drew about 6,200 participants.

Advice

If operating in France, exercise increased caution and personal vigilance until the current wave of protests and associated acts of violence abate. Keep away from all demonstrations, as well as any areas where security personnel appear to be deploying. Leave the area at the first sign of a security disturbance; if unable to do so, seek shelter in a secure non-governmental building until it is safe to depart. Strictly heed the instructions of local authorities. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement personnel.