A year after a French teenager with North African roots was killed by a police officer, a march led by his mother pays tribute to his memory at the location of the fatal shooting.

Hundreds of individuals gathered in Nanterre to honor Nahel Merzouk, who was fatally shot by a police officer without cause during a routine traffic stop in June 2023. The incident sparked nationwide outrage and protests.

‘Racial profiling is our daily life’

Describing the symbolic significance of the march, Assa Traore, an advocate for justice, emphasized the importance of marginalized communities in shaping the narrative of national elections and addressing the threats posed by far-right ideologies.

The event unfolded amidst heightened political tensions, with hate speech influencing the discourse surrounding the upcoming parliamentary elections. Merzouk's mother urged politicians to respect the solemnity of the occasion and focus on delivering justice for her son.

As concerns mount over the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment and the potential victory of far-right parties, voices from underrepresented communities stress the need to confront racism and injustices embedded within law enforcement practices.

‘Conflicting loyalties’

Recent controversies surrounding allegations of racism within the far-right National Rally party underscore the complex dynamics of identity and allegiance, particularly regarding individuals of diverse backgrounds in positions of power.

The unfolding political landscape in France signals a crucial juncture in the country's future, with contrasting visions and policy proposals from opposing factions reflecting the broader societal divisions and aspirations for change.