France bans buying fireworks for Bastille Day after riots
BBC NewsJul 25, 2023
The Facts
On Sunday, the French government banned the sale, possession, and transport of fireworks ahead of Friday's Bastille Day celebrations with immediate effect until July 15.
The ban on "pyrotechnic articles" is aimed at preventing "the risk of serious disturbances to public order" during the July 14 celebrations, according to the government decree, which doesn't apply to official fireworks displays organized by local authorities.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The French government has taken a number of steps to ensure the safety of its citizens during the upcoming national holiday and stop the nationwide riots that have taken place. While its measures may seem extreme, curfews and bans have been implemented to prevent unnecessary violence and destruction. This latest ban will ensure the coming celebrations will take place peacefully.
Establishment-critical narrative
People are protesting in the streets because of racial profiling and systemic discrimination within the police force, especially in low-income and multiethnic suburbs. Political parties, trade unions, and environmental NGOs demand action, and even the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has called on the French government to investigate the deep-seated issues within its law enforcement agencies.
