Ezra Levant, the founder of Rebel News, and a colleague arrived in Marseilles, France on Sunday morning to cover the ongoing riots in response to the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Nehal Merzouk. Merzouk, who was of Algerian descent, was pulled over for traffic violations and was fatally shot by police on June 27. In the aftermath of his death, the French-Algerian community, along with others, have been engaging in acts of firebombing, attacking, and looting French cities.
In an effort to bring the situation under control, French President Emmanuel Macron has deployed 45,000 police officers to quell the violent riots that have been shaking the country for the past five days. Last night alone, over 700 people were arrested, with the average age of those detained being 17.
Merzouk’s funeral took place on Saturday, and tens of thousands of people attended the service. This large turnout is seen by many as a potential shift in the overall mood and an indication of the possibility of calmer nights ahead.
Ezra Levant and his colleague have been on the ground in Marseilles, providing live coverage of the riots. They have been capturing the scenes of graffiti and police presence throughout the city, as tension remains high. The graffiti daubed across walls and buildings reads “Niq le police,” which translates to “F. the police” in English. French riot police have been mobilizing in response to the previous night’s unrest.
As evening approaches, the atmosphere in Marseilles remains unsettled. Algerian men gather at a cafe, seemingly unaffected by the events unfolding around them. Meanwhile, dozens of riot police wait in their vans, prepared for any potential escalation. Young men also loiter in the area, suggesting a sense of anticipation among the crowd. The presence of a passing fire truck only adds to the charged environment.
Despite these tense circumstances, there are reports from local journalists in contact with the police indicating that the night thus far has been relatively calm. However, the situation remains fluid, and Levant and his team will continue to report on the ground to provide up-to-the-minute updates.
Helicopters from France’s police force have been flying overhead, monitoring the movements and activities of the rioters. Since mid-afternoon, they have been tracking the locations where groups of young individuals are congregating and engaging in rioting.
The coverage of the riots in Marseilles can be followed on FranceOnFire.com, where Levant and his team continue to provide comprehensive reports. Funding for their travel expenses and reporting can be contributed to through e-transfer or by sending cheques to Rebel News Network Ltd.
In conclusion, the riots in France sparked by the police shooting of Nehal Merzouk continue to grip the nation, with heightened tensions and a significant police presence in Marseilles. Levant and his team are on the ground, documenting the situation and providing live coverage to keep the public informed.
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