Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Prosecutors want a French police officer to stand trial for murder after the death of a teenager that led to violent protests nationwide.
In a statement on Tuesday, Nanterre prosecutors said they had concluded an investigation into the fatal shooting of Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old of North African descent.
A police officer fired at Nahel in the Paris suburb of Nanterre on June 27, 2023 after the teen failed to comply with an order to stop his car.
Nahel subsequently died from his wounds.
Two officers were investigated over the shooting. Prosecutors are now requesting that one of the officers faces a court trial.
It is now up to a judge to decide whether such a trial will take place.
Charges of murder complicity against the second police officer have been dropped.
Neither the lawyer for Nahel’s family nor the police officer’s lawyer were immediately available for comment.
A video shared on social media, verified by Reuters, showed two police officers beside Nahel’s car, a Mercedes AMG, with one firing his weapon as the driver pulled away.
Nahel’s death and the video were shared on social media, drawing widespread anger and provoking several nights of unrest in Nanterre and other cities across France.
At the heart of the unrest were long-standing accusations by rights group of systemic racism in the police.
There were hundreds of arrests during the protests, with tens of thousands of police officers deployed to quell further clashes.
Night-time curfews were put in place in some areas and public transport services halted.
Protesters burned cars, garbage and buildings and threw stones and fireworks at police as the riots stretched across multiple nights.
The unrest was not unprecedented. Back in 2005, the electrocutions of Zyed Benna, 17, and Bouna Traore, 15, after they hid from police in a power substation in the Paris suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois sparked three weeks of rioting throughout France.
The nationwide riots raged through housing projects in troubled neighborhoods with large minority populations. Although they stemmed from the teens’ deaths, they were fueled by deeper problems of discrimination, unemployment and a sense of alienation from French society.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
