The police killing of Nahel Merzouk in Nanterre triggered nationwide riots across France, prompting debate on racial profiling and police violence.
Key Facts
- Age of victim
- 17 years old
- Date of killing
- 27 June 2023
- Vehicles set on fire
- More than 5,000
- Buildings burnt, damaged or looted
- Nearly 1,000
- Police officers injured
- More than 700
- Police stations attacked
- 250
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old of Algerian descent, was stopped by police in Nanterre on 27 June 2023. When he did not comply with orders to stop and attempted to drive away, officer Florian M. shot him at point-blank range. Initial police statements were subsequently contradicted by a video circulated online, fuelling public anger.
The fatal shooting of Nahel Merzouk by a French police officer in Nanterre sparked immediate condemnation, including from President Emmanuel Macron, who called the killing 'inexplicable' and 'inexcusable.' The National Assembly observed a minute of silence in Nahel's memory, and the officer responsible was placed under investigation.
Widespread protests and riots erupted across France following the killing. Over 5,000 vehicles and 10,000 rubbish bins were set ablaze, nearly 1,000 buildings were damaged or looted, and more than 700 police officers were injured. The events intensified national debate over police violence, racial profiling, and immigration policy in France.