UK tourists must contact travel companies over France riots

On Friday, July 7, a new alert was issued for anyone visiting France in a bid to keep people safe when travelling abroad. 

Riots began in the country on June 27, after a police officer shot and killed a 17-year-old during a routine traffic check.

The police officer accused of killing Nahel Merzouk has been charged with voluntary homicide and said he fired his weapon as he felt his life was in danger.

Nahel Merzouk was just 17 when he was murdered by police during a traffic stop in Paris last week.

He worked as a food courier, a job that attracts harassment & violence from the police everywhere.

Nahel was a victim of state violence that couriers fear every day when working. pic.twitter.com/fGMYMBdAb1

— IWGB (@IWGBunion) July 3, 2023

A video shared on social media later showed two police officers beside a Mercedes AMG car, with one shooting at the teenage driver at close range as he pulled away.

According to his mother, they both had left the house together.

While he went to get a McDonald’s takeout, she left for work.

"And then I am told they shot my son, what can I do," she said.

"I only had him. I didn't have 10 like him. He was my life, my best friend. He was my son, He was my everything."

Initial reporting on the incident, informed by police statements, was later contradicted by a video posted online, which led to widespread protests and riots.

Town halls, schools, and police stations, as well as other buildings, were attacked.

The Interior Ministry reported that more than 5,000 vehicles had been set on fire, along with 10,000 bins; nearly 1,000 buildings had been burnt, damaged or looted; 250 police stations and gendarmeries had been attacked; and more than 700 police officers had been injured.

‘You really need to watch out.’

Travel Correspondent @SimonCalder reiterates advice from the Foreign Office regarding travel to France, urging holidaymakers to monitor ‘local media’. @AndrewCastle63 pic.twitter.com/MEMeWtZjQK

— LBC (@LBC) July 1, 2023

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the killing as "inexcusable".

Latest Foreign Office advice:

The latest travel advice states: "Starting on 27 June, for several days riots took place across France involving disruption to road travel and local transport provision.

"While the situation is now calm, you should monitor the media".

People are also advised to check the latest advice from travel companies and airlines and to "follow the advice of the authorities."

Further advice on the France travel page adds: "Around 17 million British nationals visit France every year.

"Most visits are trouble-free."