Australians heading to France to soak up summer sunshine are urged to “be vigilant” as the government issues a security alert amid ongoing unrest.
The Department of Foreign Affair and Trade is warning Australian travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” in France as riots continue following the shooting death of a 17-year-old boy by police.
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Nahel was shot dead during a traffic stop by police in Paris on Tuesday, sparking days of riots as protestors torched cars and looted stores.
DFAT updated its travel advice for the country on Saturday, warning Australians there was a risk of terrorist attacks while visiting.
The French government’s security alert is at the medium level, with DFAT urging Australians to “be cautious around locations known to be targeted”.
“Since 27 June, riots have occurred across France which have turned violent, leading to the destruction of property including vehicles, shops, police stations and schools,” DFAT said.
“Clashes with police have occurred, resulting in the use of tear gas and arrests.
“Be particularly vigilant at night and avoid all demonstrations and areas with significant police activity. Curfews have been introduced in some cities. Public transport may be restricted or cancelled.
“The situation may change at short notice. Monitor the media and official sources for updates.”
Violent attacks against tourists can occur, DFAT warned, especially late at night in tourist areas
Tourists are urged to conceal their valuables and avoid quiet or poorly lit streets at night.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the latest overnight riots had been less intense, after 45,000 police were deployed following Saturday’s funeral of Nahel in the Paris suburb of Nanterre.
The home of the mayor of L’Hay-les-Roses near Paris was attacked while his wife and children were asleep inside.
Nahel’s death has fed longstanding complaints of police violence and systemic racism — denied by authorities — inside law enforcement agencies from rights groups and within the low-income, racially mixed suburbs that ring major French cities.
An officer has acknowledged firing a lethal shot, the state prosecutor says, telling investigators he wanted to prevent a police chase that could have caused injury. The officer involved is under investigation for voluntary homicide.
– With AAP
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