France bans fireworks sales ahead of Bastille Day after violent riots

France has banned the sale of fireworks ahead of Bastille Day celebrations on Friday amid fears of further violence.

The sale, possession and transport of fireworks was banned by the government with immediate effect on Sunday.

The ban will remain in place until Saturday 15 July, the day after the 14 July celebrations. However, it does not extend to official firework displays.

The move comes after six nights of rioting, sparked by the fatal police shooting of Nahel Merzouk, 17, who was killed during a traffic stop in the Paris suburb of Nanterre.

“In order to prevent the risk of serious disturbances to public order during the 14 July festivities, the sale, carrying, transport and use of pyrotechnic articles and fireworks will be prohibited on national territory until 15 July inclusively,” the government decree said.

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Fireworks lit in Lyon streets

Read more:
Firefighter dies after another night of violence in France
‘It’s not riots – it’s war’, says French police chief

Fireworks were widely used by protesters, who threw them at police, and more than 6,000 vehicles and 12,400 bins were set ablaze.

More than 3,000 people, mostly teenagers, were arrested during the riots and about 2,500 buildings were damaged, according to interior minister Gerald Darmanin.

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Tens of thousands of police officers, along with specialised elite units, armoured vehicles and helicopters, were brought in to try and control the rioting in France’s main cities.

The officer who shot Nahel is in custody facing a charge of voluntary homicide.

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