Rabat – Police clashed with protestors in Paris on Saturday during a rally of hundreds of people condemning the shooting that occurred in a Kurdish neighborhood in the French capital.
Television footage showed police using tear gas to disperse crowds who responded by throwing rocks and other projectiles at them.
The protest, organized by members of Paris’ Kurdish community, came as a demonstration of anger and frustration over the attack and long standing racism.
Similar clashes occurred on Friday night, followed by France’s Kurdish Democratic Council (CDK-F) organizing a peaceful gathering on Saturday at Republic Square.
A 69 year old gunman attacked a Kurdish majority neighborhood in Paris on Friday. Several gunshots were heard on Rue d’Enghien, causing panic in the streets.
Police later apprehended the suspect, and announced that three victims – all of them Kurdish– died in the event. The attack also lined up with the ninth anniversary of the killings of three Kurdish women in Paris.
The suspect was released from detention earlier while awaiting trial over an attack on a migrant camp, authorities reported.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, describing it as “heinous” on social media.
“Thoughts with the victims, the people fighting for their lives, and to their families and loved ones,” the politician said. “Recognition to our law enforcement for their courage and composure.”
Activists have expressed fear and panic in the Kurdish community in the country, with many questioning why law enforcement did not arrive at the scene of Friday’s attack quicker, and why the attack was not designated a terror attack.
