Tear gas, stone throwing, or various objects thrown at cars and shop windows. On Saturday, downtown Nice became the scene of clashes between law enforcement and groups of youths. This was a true urban guerrilla warfare where violence and confusion mingled. After heading to the Promenade with the entire procession of peaceful protestors, about 200 young people targeted the Casino Ruhl and McDonald’s, then moved on to Place Masséna. This was followed by two long hours of confrontations, with stones and objects being thrown at shop windows or passing cars. The police responded with tear gas, hitting both the rioters and bystanders.
Merchants Forced to Close Shop
Those who wanted to do some shopping and enjoy the sun were unfortunately caught in the fray. Amid total chaos, merchants had no choice but to close their shops… locking themselves and their customers inside. For over an hour and a half, everyone found themselves trapped inside.
Calm returned around six o’clock. 18 individuals were arrested. The merchants were able to reopen, but the damage was already done and a portion of the revenue was lost.
