PARIS: An online collection for a French policeman involved in a fatal shooting that ignited nationwide riots has surpassed one million euros ($1.1 million) in donations, overshadowing the amount raised for the victim’s family. The fundraising campaign, initiated by a far-right media commentator on Gofundme.com, has garnered support from over 40,000 individuals.
The sum collected significantly surpasses the 200,000 euros raised for the family of the deceased 17-year-old, Nahel, who was of North African descent. Nahel’s grandmother expressed heartbreak over the overwhelming support shown to the policeman, stating that he should be held accountable for taking her grandson’s life and expressing trust in the justice system.
The shooting, which occurred during a routine traffic stop in a western suburb of Paris on Tuesday, has laid bare deep political divisions in France. While many right-wing figures have defended the actions of the security forces, those on the left perceive the incident as a consequence of systemic racism within the police. The subsequent widespread rioting and looting have exacerbated the existing polarization.
Political figures from both the left and the ruling centrist party have condemned the fundraising campaign for the policeman, initiated by far-right media commentator Jean Messiha. MP Eric Bothorel, representing the ruling party, denounced the effort as “indecent and scandalous,” while the head of the Socialist party, Olivier Faure, criticized Gofundme for facilitating a “shameful” collection. Hard-left MP Mathilde Panot highlighted the swift closure of a previous fundraising campaign for a former boxer who had assaulted police officers during the “Yellow Vest” protests in 2019, underscoring the disparity in treatment.
Fundraising for French Policeman
Messiha, a former advisor to far-right leader Marine Le Pen, expressed satisfaction on Twitter when his fundraising initiative surpassed the amount collected for Nahel’s family. He justified the appeal by stating that it was intended to support an officer who was “doing his work and is paying a heavy price.”
While some politicians have criticized the fundraising campaign, Eric Ciotti, head of the right-wing Republican party, defended it and mentioned the possibility of contributing, citing the difficulties faced by the officer’s family. The 38-year-old policeman, identified by French media as Florian M., has been arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter. Video footage of the incident shows him shooting Nahel at close range as the teenager drives away in a yellow Mercedes without a license.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne emphasized that the officer’s actions were “obviously not in line with the rules of engagement for police.” Florian M. faces additional charges of making false statements, as he initially claimed to have opened fire when Nahel drove towards him. Another teenager present in the car alleged that the officers struck Nahel with the butts of their guns before firing shots. A voice can be heard in the video saying, “You are going to get a bullet in the head.”
