France

Third night of rioting after death in custody

Article published on the 2009-07-10 Latest update 2009-07-10 13:12 TU

Firminy seen from the hills
(Photo: Wikimedia commons)

Youths in the central French town of Firminy torched shops and cars during the third night of rioting over the death of a young man in police custody.

The protests began after the death of Mohamed Benmouna, a local 21-year-old who was found hanging in his cell after being arrested for attempted extortion.

Police have said that the death was suicide but many locals refuse to believe the official version.

Six people were arrested after the stone-throwing rioters confronted police who responded to the violence with tear gas. No injuries were reported.