- France bans sale, possession, and transport of pyrotechnics for Bastille Day
- Prohibition follows riots sparked by police killing of Nahel M
- Massive security presence deployed to maintain order during celebrations
During the upcoming Bastille Day celebrations, France has prohibited the sale, possession, and transport of all pyrotechnics.
The authorities banned “pyrotechnic articles” from July 14th national day celebrations on Sunday.
The action follows riots sparked by the police killing of 17-year-old Nahel M in Nanterre last month.
However, the prohibition does not apply to municipally sanctioned fireworks displays.
“To prevent the risk of serious disturbances to public order during the festivities on July 14, the sale, carrying, transport, and use of pyrotechnic articles and fireworks will be prohibited on national territory until July 15, inclusive,” stated the edict, which was published in the official gazette of France.
Fireworks were popular weapons during France’s worst urban violence in nearly two decades.
And even in normal times, events in public squares and streets on the evening of Bastille Day have been frequently disrupted by young people hurling fireworks in previous years.
In addition to the restrictions on pyrotechnics, Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne announced that a “massive” security presence would be deployed to maintain order and “protect the French during these two sensitive days.”
She told Le Parisien that people were “very concerned” about violence over the national holiday.
Official data show that 3,700 protesters, including 1,160 kids, were arrested by police.
Bastille Day commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution more than two centuries ago.
