France Bans Fireworks Over Bastille Day Weekend

Facts

• On Sunday, the French government banned the sale, possession, and transport of fireworks ahead of Friday's Bastille Day celebrations with immediate effect until July 15.^[1]
• The ban on 'pyrotechnic articles' is aimed at preventing 'the risk of serious disturbances to public order' during the July 14 celebrations, according to the government decree, which doesn't apply to official fireworks displays organized by local authorities.^[2]
• The decision came amid ongoing rioting sparked by the fatal police shooting of Nahel Merzouk, 17, who was killed during a traffic stop in Nanterre in late June.^[3]
• The French celebrate their national day every year with parades and fireworks displays to commemorate the fall of the Bastille in Paris in 1789 — which gave way to the end of absolute rule and signaled the beginning of the French Revolution.^[4]
• In the latest unrest, fireworks were reportedly used as weapons during clashes with police. PM Élisabeth Borne said there would be a 'massive' security crew 'to protect the French during these two sensitive days.'^[5]
• Thousands of protesters disregarded a ban on Saturday, protesting through central Paris against police violence, with nearly 30 demonstrations having taken place across France.^[6]

Sources: ^[1]Sky News, ^[2]BBC News, ^[3]CNN, ^[4]Euronews, ^[5]Daily Mail and ^[6]Al Jazeera.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Mirror. The French government has taken a number of steps to ensure the safety of its citizens during the upcoming national holiday and stop the nationwide riots that have taken place. While its measures may seem extreme, curfews and bans have been implemented to prevent unnecessary violence and destruction. This latest ban will ensure the coming celebrations will take place peacefully.
• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by UN News. People are protesting in the streets because of racial profiling and systemic discrimination within the police force, especially in low-income and multiethnic suburbs. Political parties, trade unions, and environmental NGOs demand action, and even the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has called on the French government to investigate the deep-seated issues within its law enforcement agencies.