Riots in the Val-d'Oise department in France began on 26 November 2007, following the deaths of two teenagers (Moushin S., 15, and Larami S., 16),[1][2] whose motorcycle collided with a police vehicle.[3] The circumstances recalled those that precipitated the 2005 unrest, which began in Clichy-sous-Bois when two teenagers lost their lives as they evaded arrest while hiding in an electrical substation. As in 2005, the youth victims were of African origin.
| 2007 Villiers-le-Bel riots | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 26–29 November 2007 (4 days) | ||
| Location | |||
| Caused by | Death of two teenagers in collision with police vehicle | ||
| Methods | rioting, arson, shooting, assault | ||
| Parties | |||
| |||
| Number | |||
| |||
| Casualties | |||
| Injuries | 130+ | ||
| Arrested | 39 | ||
Motorcycle accident
The unrest began when the minibike, on which the youths were riding, collided with a police vehicle.[3] The families of the youths allege that police rammed the motorcycle and left the two teenagers for dead.[4] The police deny this, saying that the motorcycle was stolen[5][6] and was an unregistered vehicle not valid for street use, travelling at high speed, and that the youths were not wearing any protective headgear - an account, according to French newspaper reports, confirmed by two eyewitnesses.[2] A police investigation indicated that the motorcycle was in third (top) gear and that the police car was not going over 40 km/h (25 mph).[2]
Riots and government response
Immediately after the incident, a hostile crowd[2] formed around the spot of the road accident. Divisional Commissioner Jean-François Illy, in charge of Sarcelles area, had his car burned and was hit with iron bars as he was trying to defuse the situation, and was hospitalised with a fractured nose and ribs.[2]However, the scene of the accident was kept untouched by the crowd .[7][8]
Over 130 policemen were injured during night-time riots and violent clashes, which began in Villiers-le-Bel in the Val-d'Oise department.[3][9] Over 70 cars and buildings were burned, including a library, two schools, a police station, and several shops.[3] According to Interior Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie, several police officers were hit by shotgun pellets. One officer received a serious shoulder wound when a firearm projectile pierced his body armour and another lost an eye.[9][10] including six seriously wounded officers "who notably were struck in the face and close to the eyes."[1] One police officer said that thirty officers had been hit by shotgun pellets, and one hit by a "bullet used to kill large game." He likened the situation to a "guerrilla war".[11]
At least ten cars were burned and a fire broke out at a library in Reynerie, a suburb of the southern city of Toulouse.[12] Eight rioters were arrested by the police on the night of 27 November.[13][14]
On 28 November, President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was in China during the events, met Prime Minister François Fillon, Interior Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie, and Justice Minister Rachida Dati for a security briefing.[15] The authorities decided not to give detailed account of the riots;[16] however, they announced that 39 people were arrested the night before.
On 29 November, French suburbs stayed relatively calm after 1,000 riot police were deployed. There was no report of injuries.[17]
Aftermath
An investigation has been opened against the rioters. Another has been opened concerning the accident.[18] On 18 February 2008, 33 people were arrested, suspected of being rioters.[19]
See also
