France: Protests and associated violence over June 27 police-involved shooting likely to continue in cities nationwide through at least early July /update 5

Event

Protests and widespread incidents of violence in reaction to the June 27 police-involved killing of a teenager near Paris will likely continue in cities across France into at least early July. Demonstrations and clashes first broke out in the Paris suburb of Nanterre shortly after reports of the teenager's death emerged, subsequently spreading to several cities elsewhere in the country, with levels of violence quickly intensifying. Numerous incidents of vandalism, arson, and looting have been reported in various urban areas nationwide, with Lyon and Marseille being especially impacted during the night of June 30-July 1. Authorities estimate that, as of the morning of July 1, 1,350 vehicles had been torched and 266 buildings set afire or damaged, including 26 town halls and 24 schools. Police report over 1,300 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, and over 200 officers have been injured.

Tensions remain high nationwide as authorities prepare for further rioting in the coming days. Public transport is severely disrupted, with bus, tram, and rail services in several major cities suspending or limiting operations. In the Paris region, the transport operator RATP has suspended numerous bus, tram, metro, and RER train lines: details can be found here. In Marseille, metro, bus, and tram services were suspended effective 18:00 July 1 at the request of the police.

Curfews are in force in a number of towns both in the Paris region and elsewhere across France, as are bans on demonstrations during the hours of darkness. The following curfews are in place in suburbs of the nation's capital:

Clamart: 21:00-06:00 until July 3
Neuilly-sur-Marne: 23:00-06:00 until July 3
Savigny-le-Temple: 22:00-05:00 until July 2.
Colombes: For 72 hours beginning 22:00 July 1

Further curfews are likely if violence continues.

The security situation could deteriorate further into the week of July 3, potentially prompting the government to declare a state of emergency; such a measure, if imposed, may apply generally or be limited to the worst affected areas. Regardless, authorities will maintain an extraordinarily high security posture nationwide until the civil unrest abates. Initially, the Ministry of the Interior deployed about 2,000 additional police officers in Paris in response to the situation; however, the government has significantly increased its security deployments to 45,000 security personnel nationwide, with 7,000 officers in Paris.

The government may extend the duration of or expand the existing measures to encompass additional areas depending on the severity of the perceived threat. Further demonstrations of varying types are highly likely over the coming days and could materialize in virtually any city. Associated disruptions to transport and business operations are also highly likely.

Advice

If operating in France, exercise increased caution and personal vigilance until the current wave of protests and associated acts of violence abate. Keep away from all demonstrations, as well as any areas where security personnel appear to be deploying. Leave the area at the first sign of a security disturbance; if unable to do so, seek shelter in a secure non-governmental building until it is safe to depart. Strictly heed the instructions of local authorities. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement personnel.