Since May 25, the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man following his arrest by the police, has sparked a wave of indignation in the United States.
The terrible video of his agony is at the origin of the hashtag #Blacklivesmatter. And all over the world, protests are being organized, including two in Nice.
The first one is this Saturday “against police violence and oppressive and discriminatory systems.” It was initiated by a student, joined by the National High School Union (UNL). The associations Tous Citoyens!, and left-wing parties, the Human Rights League, VIVA!, PCF06, and other “specialists” in public marches and citizen gatherings have joined the initiative.
In fact, it is unclear whether it is an act of solidarity with the American victim or if it addresses the behavior of the national police, which has been echoed these days.
In any case, the opportunity is too good for the specialists of public marches and citizen gatherings not to resume their old habits. Moreover, “taking a knee” will add charm to the group photo.
The Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, called upon by the deputy (LR) Eric Ciotti and the regional councilor (RN) Philippe Vardon, expressed himself through a statement, reminding of the ban on gatherings of more than 10 people and appealing to a sense of responsibility.
For the two who intervened, the ban is established, and they publicly congratulated themselves on it.
However, the student committee intends to maintain the demonstration – which aims to be peaceful – starting normally from Magnan at 5 p.m. to march on the Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena, and to the Palais de Justice where speeches are planned.
Instructions have been issued: do not come if you are sick, wear a surgical or COVID protection mask, march in single file while maintaining at least a one-meter distance.
It remains to be seen how things will unfold on the ground, and we hope not to witness acts or scenes of disorder and disrespect for public order.
Unfortunately, if the initial intentions of the organizers were certainly the best (who can be against solidarity?), when the protagonism of some and the right and left-wing radicalism of others get involved, one thing is certain: the situation turns sour and becomes bitter!
