Demonstrations are scheduled to take place today in several cities in France “against systemic racism, police brutality and in favor of public liberties”, following a call by the extreme left and various organizations, under strict supervision by the forces of order.

France’s interior ministry has mobilized 30,000 police and gendarmes for today, when Pope Francis is also visiting Marseille, in southeastern France, following a three-day official visit to the country by Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla. .

116 marches have been organized

According to a note from local intelligence services seen by AFP, 24,000 to 30,000 protesters are expected to take part in 116 unified marches organized across the country at the initiative of around 100 trade unions and political organisations, as well as neighborhood collective groups.

“The murder of Nael, who was killed by a police officer on June 27, 2023 in Nanterre (suburb of Paris), has once again shone a light on what must be stopped: systemic racism, police brutality and the social inequalities widened by politics ( of French President (Emmanuel) Macron”, the organizations state in their joint statement.

The death of the 17-year-old teenager by a traffic warden’s bullet during a check had sparked a wave of riots in France.

In Paris, which is also hosting the Techno Parade today, 3,000 to 6,000 people are expected to take to the streets in response to the call of these organizations, according to a police source.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin yesterday sent a letter of support to police and gendarmes and a cable to prefects, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, calling on them to “exercise particular vigilance with regard to these gatherings” and to decide on a ban if deemed necessary and report the messages “which carry insulting and insulting slogans for the institutions of the Republic, the police and the gendarmerie, which may fall within the scope of the law”.