Riots after the death of Nahel: “If tomorrow there is another Nahel, there may be other movements”, warns the mayor (PCF) of Grigny

While his city was hard hit during the riots that followed Nahel’s death, the (French Communist Party) mayor of Grigny (Essonne), Philippe Rio, indicated that “peace has returned”. He was the guest of “4 Truths” on France 2, Tuesday July 18. “We have lived for years on a powder keg”had declared the city councilor in an interview with Parisian released on July 1. Returning to these remarks, Philippe Rio estimated that this powder keg “is still there”.

“Police doctrine must be re-examined”

Asked about the fact that we can relive events like those that followed the death of Nahel, the mayor of Grigny replied: “Of course.” “If tomorrow there is another Nahel, there may be other movements”he added, recalling that the 2005 riots were triggered by the deaths of Zyed and Bouna. “Police doctrine must be re-examined”said Philippe Rio, calling for “a truly independent IGPN” and evoking “the mistrust that exists between the police and its youth”.

In 2017, many mayors gathered in Grigny to launch the “Grigny appeal”, asking for more resources for the suburbs. Six years later, Philippe Rio felt that“It is necessary again TO DO”. Asked about the need for a new “call from Grigny”, the city councilor assured that“there are demands in this direction, absolutely”.