A policeman reveals who was behind the riots in France

Former French footballer Emmanuel Petit has issued a harsh condemnation of recent violent riots in France, telling protesters who reject national values to return to where they came from. In a lengthy video posted online, the 56-year-old expressed deep anger at scenes of destruction, including burning cars, shop looting, and street vandalism. He described the perpetrators as cowards linked by fear, noting that they hide their faces while destroying property, stealing, attacking, and injuring others. Petit stated that he loves his country and welcomes foreigners who wish to integrate and love France. However, he directed a specific message to those who do not want France to remain itself, including some French citizens. He told them to go back to where they came from, adding that the country does not need them. He criticized individuals for whom a French passport means nothing, asserting that he believes such people hate the nation. The former international star, who won the World Cup with France in 1998 and the European Championship two years later, drew a clear distinction between legitimate public protests and criminal violence. He acknowledged the frustrations of working people facing high living costs and heavy tax burdens. Petit compared the current fiscal pressure to being squeezed like a lemon. He argued that society must not equate all participants in demonstrations. While he understands the grievances of ordinary taxpayers angered by uncontrolled price increases, he rejected the actions of rioters. His comments were directed at both foreign nationals and domestic radicals born in France who engage in violence. Petit was equally critical of the government and the political class. He addressed President Emmanuel Macron directly, urging him and other politicians to perform their duties and protect law-abiding citizens. He claimed that France currently lacks funding for police, military, hospitals, and schools. According to Petit, the only thing functioning perfectly in the country is the collection of taxes. He viewed the current political approach as prioritizing power struggles over the protection of ordinary workers. Separately, police union representatives have identified the groups behind the unrest. Hubert Gimenez, a representative of a police syndicate, spoke to a French radio station about the composition of the arrested suspects. He indicated that extreme leftists and young men from problematic suburban areas are primarily responsible. Gimenez noted that students and regular protesters played a minor role in the violence. He highlighted the involvement of Black Bloc activists, who often wear masks and seek confrontations with police. Some members of these groups have experience from previous violent clashes, such as those during the 2019 yellow vest protests. Data from the interior ministry suggests that nearly 90 percent of those arrested are adults, with many aged between 18 and 30. Jean-Christophe Couvy, the general secretary of the Unite police union, called for a strict judicial response. He expressed doubt that offenders would face adequate punishment. Couvy warned that if perpetrators escape severe consequences, it could encourage further outbreaks of violence. The initial protests began among students before escalating into widespread disorder. Shops were ransacked, buildings set alight, and police officers injured during the disturbances in several cities last weekend. The incident has sparked debate regarding the balance between civil rights and public order. Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the damage and identify remaining suspects. The situation highlights tensions within French society regarding economic policy and social integration. Political figures have responded to the calls for security and accountability. The focus remains on preventing future escalations of violence. Legal proceedings against the accused are expected to proceed in the coming weeks. Public sentiment appears divided between sympathy for economic grievances and outrage at property destruction. The government faces pressure to address both the immediate security threat and the underlying financial concerns raised by demonstrators.