France riots: The ‘double discrimination’ and racism fuelling and widespread looting and vandalism

Anger, resentment, grief – that’s the message from Marseille.

In France’s second metropolis, deep-rooted frustrations have bubbled over into looting and vandalism.

Kaouther Ben Mohamed fights for higher rights for the poor. She says the destruction right here is unhappy but it surely’s not shocking given the frustration many residents really feel.

“There’s a double discrimination in Marseille compared to the rest of France,” she says.

“The first is the colour of your skin and your surname. The second is where you live. For people who are called Sofiane or Mohammed, it’s more difficult living in a working-class area, having access to schools, accommodation and getting a job.”

Poverty, racism and medicines imply clashes with police aren’t uncommon right here, however this widespread looting is an escalation and a worrying signal.

The injury is a step-up as a result of the violence has penetrated the guts of the town somewhat than being contained within the poor estates on the perimeters and that speaks to the extent of anger individuals are feeling.

“Nahel’s death was the final straw for people in the working-class areas and for young people because there are so many other Nahels, there’s so much other police violence,” Kaouther explains.

And so, this week, the crowds returned to the streets, undeterred by the tear gasoline and rubber bullets.

We watched as some defiantly taunted the police, holding glowing flares aloft.

On the sidelines, we noticed younger individuals lighting fires, burning no matter they may discover or ripping up highway indicators as makeshift weapons.

While many appeared motivated simply to make hassle, others had include a message like Hamza, who says: “The police in France is racist.”

He says the violence is a backlash following years of police racism and discrimination.

“There’s lots of looting here in France, because what do they [the police] do? They shoot at us and people loot for revenge,” he informed me.

“When you live in a district in France, they hit you. It’s the same all the time… They hit you, they rob everything you have and then they throw you out. It’s all the same if you’re Arab, black, or Chinese. It’s always the same,” he stated.

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On Friday, the UN rights workplace known as on France to handle racism within the police.

“This is a moment for the country to seriously address the deep issues of racism and discrimination in law enforcement,” spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani stated.

France rejected the accusation.

Just after we spoke to Hamza, we watched as police dragged a protestor roughly to the ground and arrested him in entrance of a livid crowd.

Scenes like this would possibly not assist construct belief however neither will a video which emerged reportedly displaying rioters looting about 20 vehicles.

The capturing of an adolescent sparked the unrest in Marseille.

Now, lengthy held divisions proceed to gasoline it.