France bans fireworks for the population on National Day
The French government on Sunday banned the sale and use of fireworks - popular among protesters during recent urban violence in the country - by individuals during demonstrations to be held on National Day, celebrated on 14 July, AFP and Agerpres report.
These fireworks, which can normally be bought anywhere, have been "hijacked" from their years-long use in France, where they are mainly used to hit police or attack buildings.
They were widely used during the six nights of rioting that rocked the country after the June 27 death of 17-year-old Nahel, who was killed by a policeman during a traffic stop in Nanterre, near Paris.
Fearing further clashes during the national holiday, a government decree published in the official gazette on Sunday bans the sale of fireworks on 14 and 15 July, when firecrackers and fireworks are usually set off across the country.
"In order to prevent the risk of serious disturbances of public order during the July 14 festivities, the sale, possession, transport and use of pyrotechnic articles and fireworks are prohibited until July 15 inclusive throughout the country," the text reads.
This ban does not apply to licensed professionals or municipalities organising fireworks on the national holiday, the document states.
In addition to the ban on fireworks, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced that "massive" security resources would be deployed for the occasion.
In recent days, police have seized several consignments of fireworks with dubious destinations, the largest of which was a 2.7 tonne shipment found near Rennes (north-west).
