French Cities Engulfed in Chaos Following Police Shooting; Macron Calls for Social Media Regulation

In the wake of widespread riots following the police shooting of a teenager, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and firm action against those involved in looting, destruction, or attacking state institutions. The unrest has led to the arrest of over 660 individuals, with about 250 security police sustaining injuries of varying severity.

The majority of those detained during the riots were teenagers aged between 13 and 17. Macron has highlighted the role of parents in this situation, stating that a third of the detainees were teenagers and that their parents should bear responsibility.

In a significant move, Macron announced that France will investigate the role of social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Snapchat, in inciting the riots. The government has asked these platforms to remove “the most sensitive content” and identify users who use social networks to call for chaos or exacerbate violence.

Meanwhile, the Saudi embassy in France has urged Saudi citizens in the country to exercise caution, avoid protest locations, and follow the instructions of the French authorities. The Saudi Cultural Attaché in France and Switzerland also urged students and their families to avoid going to troubled areas.