French Interior Minister denies police protecting far-right groups

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has rejected allegations that police forces provided protection to far-right groups during recent protests across several cities. Nuñez stated that there was no cooperation between the police or gendarmerie and nationalist or ethno-nationalist organizations, which had mobilized under the pretext of protecting shops from looting.

The minister maintained that law enforcement intervened to stop conflicts rather than facilitate them. However, political criticism has intensified. Manuel Bompard, coordinator of the La France Insoumise party, accused authorities of selectively banning protests in Nice, alleging that far-right individuals were permitted to move freely through the city while armed with knives and iron bars.

In Nice, the public prosecutor's office confirmed the arrest of 11 individuals linked to far-right organizations on suspicion of violent criminal activities. The detainees include one minor, while the others face charges related to illegal association and weapons possession. Prosecutors are seeking to keep the suspects in custody pending judicial proceedings.