On Friday night, the protests gripping France following the death of a teenager shot by police took a toll on the cities in the Lorraine region, close to Luxembourg.
Despite the deployment of thousands of police officers, strict curfews on public transportation, and prefectoral orders prohibiting gatherings, rioters wreaked havoc in various parts of the French region of Lorraine on Friday night.
Read also: French police arrest 994 people in 4th night of riots
This marked the third consecutive night of unrest following the death of Nahel, who was fatally shot by a police officer during a routine checkpoint.
The region’s cities witnessed the third consecutive night of unrest, with numerous buildings and vehicles set ablaze. Rioters flouted the restrictions, causing extensive damage across various parts of Lorraine.
In the hours preceding the rioting, several instances of vandalism were reported across towns in Lorraine. The Arsenal in Metz was particularly targeted by projectiles, prompting the mobilisation of additional law enforcement.
Peaceful demonstrations also took place in Metz and Nancy, where participants chanted slogans such as “justice nowhere, police everywhere” and “Justice for Nahel”.
In Metz Borny, a fire engulfed the local media library, while multiple vehicles were incinerated in the surrounding area.
François Grosdidier, Mayor of Metz, expressed his dismay on social media, saying:
“After setting fire to the town hall yesterday night and vandalising the BAM [local concert venue], they are now burning down the magnificent Jean-Macé library. Mortar fire hindered the fire brigade’s response, and the national police couldn’t assist the municipal police in protecting the firefighters. Consequently, the Jean Macé library has been lost… I condemn these criminals and the policies that condone and incite their actions, much to the despair of residents in sensitive neighbourhoods who become their first victims”.
In Woippy, a McDonald’s outlet was set alight, and other incidents of arson were reported in Talange and Marly.
Thionville/Yutz reported several fires, notably in the vicinity of a car dealership and a McDonald’s. The Pacci automobiles dealership suffered significant damage, with approximately ten vehicles set alight. The Maison de Quartier in Uckange also reported a fire.
An internet user on the Info Traffic Lorraine et Frontières (ITLF) page expressed their fear, stating, “as someone who moved here six months ago, I had been warned about the issues near Cofimeg [a quarter in Thionville]… But last night was a night of horror. Fireworks, car fires, the stench… Young people shouting… It’s genuinely terrifying for our little ones. We worry about the future they’ll grow up in”.
In the Longwy area, the town hall of Mont-Saint-Martin was vandalised and set on fire, causing significant damage. Several car fires were reported in the Bleuets area.
In the Nancy area, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy was marred by reports of mortars being fired and rubbish bins and vehicles being set alight. The Mayor of Laneuveville-devant-Nancy expressed his exasperation on Facebook, deploring “the numerous incidents and damages that occurred in our commune last night”.
As the protests continue to unfold, the morning after the riots saw social media platforms flooded with images and videos of the extensive damage caused by the unrest.
