More arrests in protest-hit Paris suburbs

By Hajer M’tiri

PARIS (AA) - More than a week after the alleged rape of a young black man by police during an ID check, riots continued to flare in several French suburbs and at least 25 people were arrested overnight, officials said on Tuesday.

French President Francois Hollande called for calm and “respect for justice" as he visited Aubervilliers in the Seine-Saint-Denis department -- a northeast suburb of the French capital.

Several arrests took place in Bondy and Epinay-sur-Seine -- also in Seine-Saint-Denis -- for throwing projectiles and incendiary devices.

Other arrests were made in the neighboring departments of Val-d'Oise, Deuil-la-Barre and in Elancourt, in the Yvelines, south-west of Paris.

Incidents also took place in Clichy-sous-Bois, Seine-Saint-Denis.

Stephane Troussel, president of the departmental council of Seine-Saint-Denis, told French radio Europe 1 on Tuesday he believed the unrest was ebbing but said there were still incidents of vehicles and refuse cans being set on fire.

Since last week, more than 60 people have been arrested in protests that rocked different French suburbs.

The violence follows allegations a young man was assaulted by police during a routine ID check.

Four police officers linked to the incident have been charged with a series of crimes -- including rape and assault -- over the violent arrest of a 22-year-old man, identified only as Theo.

One officer has been charged with rape, the other three with voluntary aggravated violence.

France's Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux has suspended the four police officers.