French minister warns of ‘strict response’ to possible violence during Bastille Day celebrations

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – The French justice minister warned of a “rapid, systematic, and strict response” in case of violence during the Bastille Day celebrations.

"If some would like to ruin the celebrations, I tell them that justice will be done," Eric Dupond-Moretti told broadcaster BFMTV on Thursday, ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.

Bastille Day is a national holiday in France that kicks off with a military parade and concludes with fireworks.

The French government fears that riots may spark again, after a police officer killed 17-year-old Nahel M. in the Paris suburb of Nanterre on June 27.

"I asked the judges for a rapid, systematic, and strict response, I know I can count on them," Dupond-Moretti added.

A total of 130,000 police officers are deployed across France in order to ensure security during the celebrations, and 45,000 of them each night will be particularly equipped to tackle urban violence, according to the broadcaster.

Ahead of Bastille Day, protests were organized on Thursday night in France, with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin saying that the July 13 night was relatively calm compared to last year.

The Interior Ministry said that 218 vehicles were set on fire, and 97 people were arrested, according to the daily Le Figaro.

Protests erupted in France at the end of last month when a police officer killed Nahel M., a boy of Algerian descent, during a traffic check in Nanterre, reportedly after he ignored orders to stop.

Following Nahel's killing, thousands of people took to the streets in France.

Vehicles and public buildings, including town halls and schools, were set on fire, and approximately 4,000 people were arrested, mostly teenagers.