French PM condemns attack on mayor home

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Sunday condemned an attack on the home of Vincent Jeanbrun, mayor of the southern suburb of L’Hay-les-Roses in Paris, calling it “unacceptable” and urging tough punishments for the perpetrators.

“To this elected representative of the Republic and to all elected representatives who are victims of violence, I reiterate my solidarity and that of the Nation. The perpetrators of these heinous acts will be prosecuted with the utmost firmness,” Borne said.

The home of Jeanbrun was ram-raided and set alight while his wife and children were asleep inside during the unrest that has gripped the country following Tuesday’s shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M by a police officer.

France saw a fifth night of rioting overnight in which more than 700 people were arrested.

Violence ignited by recent French riots following the teen’s killing also happened in other European cities. 

In the Swiss city of Lausanne, stones were thrown and show windows were smashed on Saturday evening. Six teenagers and an adult were arrested in the French-speaking Swiss city, according to local police. 

As riots continue, Nahel M’s grandmother has called for calm. “They are using Nahel as an excuse,” she told French broadcaster BFMTV on Sunday. “We want things to calm down.”

“I tell the people who are rioting this: Do not smash windows, attack schools or buses. Stop! It’s the mums who are taking the bus, it’s the mums who walk outside.”