Dozens have been arrested in Nantes during a protest over police tactics. The death of Steve Maia Canico at a local music festival has become a rallying cry for those criticizing French police for using excessive force.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/J.-F. Monier
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Officers fired tear gas and water cannon at hundreds of demonstrators who marched in the western city of Nantes on Saturday to protest the use of force by police.
The demonstration followed the death of 24-year-old Steve Maia Canico, whose body was recovered Monday close to where he was last seen alive at a dance party by the Loire River on June 22. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, but more than a dozen people fell into the river when police moved in using tear gas to break up the party.
A peaceful demonstration on Saturday morning, during which hundreds stood in silence and threw flowers into the river, was followed by a larger protest later in the city center that drew 1,700 people, according to police.
Footage from this protest showed small groups of masked people using chairs to erect barricades, setting small fires and throwing projectiles at police. Authorities said they arrested about 40 people, mostly for carrying objects that could be used as weapons, or for acts of violence.
Demonstrations protesting Steve Maia Canico's death were also held in ParisImage: Getty Images/AFP/M. Bureau
Death sparks nationwide concern
Canico's death has become a rallying cry for those who criticize French police for using excessive force, including against yellow vest protesters who have led anti-government marches across the country during recent months. Demonstrations were also held on Saturday in other French cities, including Paris.
The dead man's family, through their lawyer, have pleaded for calm and disassociated themselves from any violence.
In the month after Canico disappeared, posters were put up around Nantes asking, "Where is Steve?" During Saturday's demonstration, people held placards reading "Who killed Steve?" and "Where is the justice for Steve?"
France: Police violence
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Authorities have come under fire over their handling of the case after an initial report said no direct link could be established between the police action at the music festival and Canico's death.
French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has promised transparency about the police action. Several probes, including a judicial investigation, have been launched.
Yellow vests: Unrest returns to the streets of Paris
Violence has returned to the streets of France, with yellow vest protesters seeking to breathe fresh life into their movement. While some demonstrators rallied peacefully, others clashed with police and looted stores.
Image: Reuters/P. Wojazer
A changing movement
The movement takes its name from the high visibility vests French drivers have to keep in their cars. It was initially a protest against President Emmanuel Macron's fuel tax, but eventually swelled to a tide of more general resentment against his government. Although numbers have dwindled, they were higher again on Saturday than in previous weeks.
Image: Reuters/P. Wojazer
Mostly peaceful protest
Protesters gathered close to a well-guarded Arc de Triomphe, with organizers keen to discourage violence. Sporadic violence did break out, with French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner calling it the work of "professional troublemakers."
Image: picture-alliance/Zumapress/J. Mattia
Thick in the air
In recent weeks, the protests have been relatively calm, but things turned ugly again this time around. Some yellow vests threw smoke bombs and cobblestones at officers, who replied by deploying clouds of tear gas.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/AP/C. Ena
Looted shops
Businesses were attacked along the Champs-Elysees, home of numerous luxury brand stores and high-end eateries. Police made arrests as demonstrators looted shops and ransacked the exclusive Fouquet's restaurant. More modest commercial premises also suffered, including a newsstand which was set alight.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/A. Jocard
Burning the barricades
Protesters erected and set alight barricades on the Champs-Elysees on the 18th consecutive weekend of protests. Saturday's scenes were reminiscent of some of the worst yellow vest rallies in December, when stores were looted and vandalized in images that shocked many observers.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/C. Ena
President of the rich?
Demonstrators have accused Macron, a former investment banker and finance minister, of looking after the interests of the wealthy while neglecting ordinary French workers. Critics have also hit out at the president's style of government, accusing him of being too aloof and affecting a regal air — a perception that has earned him the nickname "Sun King."
