Rabat – Donations to support the family of a Nanterre police officer who is facing charges of voluntary homicide after brutally murdering 17-year-old Nahel have exceeded €1.5 million.
Meanwhile, funds raised for the family of the young man have reached a little over €380,000.
Held on GoFundMe, the campaign supporting the police officer charged with shooting Nahel has ignited widespread condemnation and protests.
Intended to aid the family of the Nanterre policeman, Florian M, who is currently facing charges, the crowdfunding effort has drawn sharp criticism from politicians, activists, and the general public.
Critics argue that the campaign glorifies violence and raises serious questions about the French justice system.
The shooting incident occurred during a confrontation over a traffic violation, resulting in five days of violent unrest across France.
A witness reported that one of the officers threatened Nahel, saying, “Cut the engine or I will shoot you.”
The tragic event has reignited concerns about racism, police brutality, and France’s complex relationship with its minority populations.
Left-wing politicians have vehemently condemned the fundraiser, holding Jean Messiha, a former adviser to far-right politician Marine Le Pen, responsible for the ensuing violence and chaos given that he started the fundraising campaign.
Eric Bothorel, a member of President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance Party, accused Messiha of inciting riots and called the campaign supporting the indicted officer indecent and scandalous.
Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, demanded that GoFundMe shut down the campaign, labeling it a “pot of shame.”
While GoFundMe’s terms and conditions prohibit supporting alleged financial and violent crimes, the platform has chosen not to remove the controversial campaign.
A spokesperson for GoFundMe asserted that the fundraiser falls within their terms, as its purpose is to directly support the family. However, concerns persist regarding the potential exacerbation of tensions and perpetuation of injustice by the campaign’s existence.
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne expressed reservations about the fundraiser but emphasized that the courts would determine its legality.
Borne acknowledged that the association of the far-right with the campaign hampers reconciliation efforts.
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