Smartraveller updates warning for France following fifth night of riots

Smartraveller updates warning for France following fifth night of riots

Smartraveller has today updated its warnings to travellers destined for France following a wave of violent protests that have swept across the country since they began on 27 June.

“Since 27 June, riots have occurred across France which have turned violent, leading to the destruction of property including vehicles, shops, police stations and schools,” the site, said.

“Clashing with police have occurred, resulting in the use of tear gas and arrests.

“Be particularly vigilant at night and avoid all demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.

“Curfews have been introduced in some cities.

“Public transport may be restricted or cancelled.

“The situation may change at short notice. Monitor the media and official sources for updates.”

The riots broke out after a 17-year-old boy of Algerian descent was shot dead by French police for allegedly not having a driver’s license in the Parisian suburb of Nanterre.

Demonstrations have since spread through Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Lille and as far as Belgium.

The grandmother of victim Nahel Merzouk called for calm on Sunday, appealing to protesters and telling BFMTV, “They should not damage the schools, not break the buses, it was the mums who take the buses.”

The French government deployed over 45,000 police and gendarmes across the country on Sunday night in a bid to stem the violence.


Featured Image: France sees fourth consecutive night of nationwide unrest. (Source: The Guardian – YouTube)

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