Social unrest in France after Nahel shooting: 'They took the lot. The store is empty'
The unrest that has broken out after the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Nahel by a police officer is affecting many towns and cities across France. Mediapart visited the town of Montreuil in the eastern suburbs of Paris to speak to local people about the impact of those violent disturbances. Dozens of shops and businesses have been looted there, especially in the town centre. The events have drawn mixed reactions from local residents in a left-leaning town known for its multicultural mix. Mathilde Goanec reports.
ManyMany have simply come to see and stare at the damage. Residents of the town of Montreuil in the eastern suburbs of Paris are heading down one of the concrete walkways in the shopping centre opposite the town hall; some stop and squint through shattered shop windows, their hands shielding their eyes so they can see the full scale of the damage inside. Businesses that have been affected include perfume shops, bakeries, fast-food outlets, a chemist, mobile phone stores and a home décor shop; indeed, few have been spared. The town hall was also targeted by firework mortars and set alight at one point.
