French Gendarmes to Use Armored Vehicles Against Unrest

The French Gendarmerie, distinct from police forces, will use armored vehicles to suppress unrest. This was stated by the country's Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, as reported by France24.

The French government has denied allegations from the UN regarding racism within the police force. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Any accusations of racism or systemic discrimination within the French police forces are utterly baseless."

The mass unrest in France began after a police officer shot and killed a 17-year-old teenager driving a Mercedes who refused to comply with law enforcement demands in the suburbs of Nanterre, Paris. A court has decided to detain the officer involved.

On the night of June 30, over 660 people were arrested, with at least one-third of those detained being young people and minors.