France bans fireworks for Bastille Day: Nervous officials move to curb July 14 celebrations after violent riots broke out following police ‘execution’ of teenager
France has banned the sale of fireworks for upcoming Bastille Day celebrations following violent unrest in the nation.
Government officials issued a decree on Sunday banning the sale, possession and transportation of all “pyrotechnic items” for the July 14 festivities.
Bastille Day is France’s national day and marks the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789, when an angry and aggressive mob stormed the state prison on the east side of Paris.
Known for being one of the defining moments of the Revolution, the French government has now taken steps to further reduce unrest after 17-year-old Nahel M was killed by police in Nanterre last month.
“In order to prevent the risk of serious disturbances to public order during the festivities of July 14, the sale, carrying, transportation and use of pyrotechnic and pyrotechnic articles will be prohibited in the national territory until July 15 inclusive,” read in an edict published in the French Official Gazette.
French rioters used fireworks during riots last month.
France has banned the sale of fireworks for upcoming Bastille Day celebrations
Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne added that a “massive” security presence would be deployed to keep the peace and “protect the French during these two sensitive days.”
During the period of troubles in France, fireworks were a common weapon used to terrorize the police.
Thousands of people have been filmed in cities from Paris to Marseille clashing with police, setting buildings on fire and, in some cases, even firing guns into the air.
The unrest, sparked by the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., appeared to subside on its sixth night, but public buildings, cars and municipal dumpsters were set on fire and vandalized across the country overnight and on Monday in the morning.
The riots represent the worst crisis for Macron since the ‘yellow vest’ protests over fuel prices that gripped much of France in late 2018.
In mid-April, Macron gave himself 100 days to bring reconciliation and unity to a country divided after strikes and sometimes violent protests over raising the retirement age he had promised in his election campaign.
Macron postponed a state visit to Germany to deal with the crisis and had to leave an EU summit early.
During the period of troubles in France, fireworks were a common weapon used by rioters.
Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne added that a ‘massive’ security presence would be deployed
A French riot policeman walks past a burning truck in Nantes, western France.
