Bally Bagayoko denounces police conduct during student protests

Bally Bagayoko, the Mayor of Saint-Denis, has intensified his criticism of police tactics used during recent high school student protests in France. In an interview with El País, the La France insoumise official stated that police interventions against young demonstrators contain a racist dimension, arguing that law enforcement does not respond uniformly regardless of a protester's social origin or neighborhood.

Bagayoko has become a prominent figure in the movement, frequently appearing at demonstrations to interpose himself between students and police. His involvement has drawn both public support and political criticism, including legal action by the Paris police prefect regarding his comments on violence.

Adding to the visibility of the movement, professional basketball player Victor Wembanyama has expressed his support for the protesting students. Wembanyama, who played in Nanterre during his youth, shared his solidarity with the students via social media, noting his own experiences as a student during periods of mobilization.