France Protests Turn Violent as 600 Arrested, 200 Police Officers Hurt

NANTERRE: More than 600 people were arrested and at least 200 police officers were injured in France on Friday night, as protests over the deadly police shooting of a 17-year-old boy continued for a third night.

The protests erupted in the Paris suburb of Nanterre on Wednesday, after the boy, who has only been identified by his first name, Nahel, was shot and killed by police. Witnesses say Nahel was unarmed and running away when he was shot.

The protests have since spread to other cities across France, including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. In some cases, protesters have clashed with police, setting fires and throwing projectiles.

The French government has deployed 40,000 police officers to try to quell the protests. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has denounced the violence, calling it "rare" and "unacceptable."

The protests have sparked a debate about police brutality in France. President Emmanuel Macron has said that he will not tolerate violence, but he has also promised to address the concerns of protesters. (agencies)