French authorities ban anti-racism protests in Paris, yet demonstrations persevere

Assa Traore (C), half-sister of Adama Traore, delivers a speech during a demonstration against police brutality and racism in Paris on Saturday. Adama Traore died in police custody in 2016 under circumstances that remain unclear. Photo by Yoan Valat/EPA-EFE

Assa Traore (C), the half-sister of Adama Traore, passionately addresses a crowd during an anti-police brutality and racism demonstration held in Paris on Saturday. Adama Traore tragically lost his life while in police custody in 2016, under circumstances that still lack clarity. The photo, captured by Yoan Valat/EPA-EFE, depicts the emotional intensity of the event.

July 8 (UPI) — Despite an official ban, hundreds of protestors advocating against racism courageously marched through central Paris on the anniversary of the death of Adama Traore, a Black man who died in police custody in 2016. This act of defiance occurred amidst a backdrop of recent protests and riots sparked by the police-involved shooting death of Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old. French authorities had initially prohibited demonstrations related to Traore’s death, concerned about potential violence and radical elements within the crowds.

According to an article from Agenzia Nova, French authorities implemented the ban due to the recent surge in protests and riots following the unfortunate death of Nahel Merzouk. The tragic event occurred during a routine traffic stop and has sparked widespread outrage.

Laurent Nuñez, the head of the Paris police, expressed concerns to The Guardian about the march, believing it may attract radical individuals inclined to engage in violent acts. The prefect of Val-d’Oise, considering these factors, made the decision to ban the gathering in that specific region.

Assa Traore, the half-sister of the late Adama Traore, led Saturday’s march. The organizing committee emphasized the significance of the event, describing it as both a valuable commemoration for affected families and a vital step toward achieving equality and ending police impunity.

Le Figaro reported that during the march, Youssouf Traoré, one of Adama’s brothers, was arrested by French police on charges of violence against a person holding public authority. The article also mentioned two other protests that took place on the same day in Paris, one in support of Palestinians at Place de la République and another by the Union of Ukrainians.

In a statement released by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, France was urged to prioritize addressing the structural and systemic causes of racial discrimination, specifically within law enforcement, including the police.

Official figures indicate that over 3,700 individuals have been detained by the police in connection with the protests since the tragic incident involving Nahel Merzouk.

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