The Spread Of Racism Protests To France: Adama Traore, Another Black Death At The Hands Of The Police

Protest against Adama Traore's racism case in Paris, France on June 2, 2020 (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - Anti-racism action in the United States extends to Paris, France. If in the US there is the George Floyd case, in France there is Adama Traore who is also black and died at the hands of the police.

The case of the death of a black citizen, Traore (24) sparked protests in almost all countries of France. Quoting the BBC, in Paris, around 20 thousand people deliberately went against social restrictions to hold an action.

The action was initially peaceful. Before long, the parade turned violent. The masses clashed with the authorities. They threw stones at the police. Instead, the police fired tear gas at the crowd.

Protests also took place in other cities, including Marseille, Lyon and Lille. Several demonstrators were seen carrying posters reading "Black Lives Matter", the slogan of a movement that started in the US which has now spread internationally.

The Traore mystery

Traore died at the police station after being arrested by authorities on the outskirts of Paris. Traore had lost consciousness when being carried into the vehicle.

Traore's death is still a mystery. According to one officer confession to investigators, he and two colleagues had indeed pinched Traore with his body.

However, the results of an official investigation indicate Traore died due to medical reasons. He was diagnosed with heart failure. Finally, last Thursday, the officers detaining Traore were released from police investigation.

After his death in 2016, demonstrations were held for several days in Paris. His case became a call to challenge police brutality in France.

"Today we are not just talking about the Traore family fight. But it is a struggle for everyone. When we fight for George Floyd, we fight for Adama Traore," said Traore's sister Assa.