The police death of a 17-year-old in the Paris district of Nanterre has generated outrage among French youth.
Since Nahel M.’s death on June 27, protests have been held every evening, resulting in violence, plundering, looting, and fire across France.
Marseille was one of the flashpoints, with police using tear gas and fighting street skirmishes with youngsters.
Rayan and Reda, two southern city residents who want to be recognised only by their first names, told Anadolu about their experiences during the weekend protests.
Reda, who was present at the rallies for three days, claimed police were everywhere, shooting flash-balls.
“They were all angry and beating us,” he added, adding that this was the norm in the neighbourhoods before to Nahel’s death.
“I was not involved in violence, but I was beaten because of my type,” claimed the young guy, who believes that because he is of North African ancestry and lives in a middle-class neighbourhood, he is a common suspect.
Reda hoped that their activities would result in a positive change.
Rayan also joined the demonstrations for three days.
“We expressed solidarity because it could be someone from our family, a child of ours, and here in Marseille, there is no need to lie, but it is complicated with the police,” he explained.
Although he agreed that violence is not always the solution, he stated that it is occasionally required. “By demonstrating that we are not passive, we hope to spark a revolution,” Rayan explained.