Violence Erupts in Paris Following PSG Champions League Victory
Authorities report multiple arrests and serious incidents after the football celebration.
Following the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) historic victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on May 31, a series of violent incidents marred the celebrations in Paris and other French cities.
On the night of June 1, over 79 additional arrests were made, and police reported a total of 563 arrests over the weekend, with 491 occurring in Paris alone.
The prefect of police, Laurent Nunez, described this level of unrest as 'unprecedented'.
Large crowds gathered on the Champs-Élysées and at the Parc des Princes, where PSG players presented their trophy in front of more than 100,000 supporters.
However, following the celebrations, groups of individuals, not associated with the true fan base, engaged in disorderly conduct, including looting and firing fireworks towards law enforcement.
Nunez characterized the activities of these groups as 'sauvagerie inimaginable', indicating that they were primarily composed of people uninterested in the match itself.
The police deployed over 5,000 officers across Paris and its suburbs throughout the weekend to manage the crowds.
Incidents reported included blockades on major roadways, with individuals obstructing the périphérique for approximately 15 minutes.
Despite significant police presence, looting occurred at multiple locations, with Nunez noting nearly twenty cases being reported.
The weekend's disturbances resulted in severe consequences.
Two fatalities were confirmed - one being a 23-year-old who died after being struck by a vehicle while on a scooter, and another a 17-year-old who was fatally stabbed in Dax.
Additionally, at least 18 police officers and several firefighters sustained injuries during the unrest.
The aftermath saw numerous individuals brought before the courts, with preliminary inquiries into various charges.
Out of the total 563 arrests, a notable number involved minors, with some cases relating to the use of prohibited fireworks, and other disturbances leading to property damage.
Comparative assessments of security measures following the incidents saw differing opinions from officials.
While the minister of the interior acknowledged the operational effectiveness, the police prefect deemed the weekend neither a success nor a failure.
As the legal proceedings commence against those arrested, including immediate hearings for select individuals, the authorities continue to address the repercussions of the weekend's violence.
The situation remains dynamic as additional gatherings in Paris were anticipated over the following days.
On the night of June 1, over 79 additional arrests were made, and police reported a total of 563 arrests over the weekend, with 491 occurring in Paris alone.
The prefect of police, Laurent Nunez, described this level of unrest as 'unprecedented'.
Large crowds gathered on the Champs-Élysées and at the Parc des Princes, where PSG players presented their trophy in front of more than 100,000 supporters.
However, following the celebrations, groups of individuals, not associated with the true fan base, engaged in disorderly conduct, including looting and firing fireworks towards law enforcement.
Nunez characterized the activities of these groups as 'sauvagerie inimaginable', indicating that they were primarily composed of people uninterested in the match itself.
The police deployed over 5,000 officers across Paris and its suburbs throughout the weekend to manage the crowds.
Incidents reported included blockades on major roadways, with individuals obstructing the périphérique for approximately 15 minutes.
Despite significant police presence, looting occurred at multiple locations, with Nunez noting nearly twenty cases being reported.
The weekend's disturbances resulted in severe consequences.
Two fatalities were confirmed - one being a 23-year-old who died after being struck by a vehicle while on a scooter, and another a 17-year-old who was fatally stabbed in Dax.
Additionally, at least 18 police officers and several firefighters sustained injuries during the unrest.
The aftermath saw numerous individuals brought before the courts, with preliminary inquiries into various charges.
Out of the total 563 arrests, a notable number involved minors, with some cases relating to the use of prohibited fireworks, and other disturbances leading to property damage.
Comparative assessments of security measures following the incidents saw differing opinions from officials.
While the minister of the interior acknowledged the operational effectiveness, the police prefect deemed the weekend neither a success nor a failure.
As the legal proceedings commence against those arrested, including immediate hearings for select individuals, the authorities continue to address the repercussions of the weekend's violence.
The situation remains dynamic as additional gatherings in Paris were anticipated over the following days.
