In light of increasing drug trafficking and associated violence, cities like Nîmes and Béziers have implemented curfew measures aimed at protecting children and teens from exposure to danger.
French Cities Enforce Night Curfews for Youth Amid Rising Drug Violence
French Cities Enforce Night Curfews for Youth Amid Rising Drug Violence
Authorities in several French cities have instituted curfews for minors to combat escalating drug-related violence.
Authorities in France are responding to a surge in violence connected to drug trafficking by enforcing night-time curfews for minors in several cities. The latest city to adopt such a measure is Nîmes, located in the southern region, where officials stated that their goal is to shield those under 16 from exposure to violence and to control rising tensions. Additional police forces are set to be deployed in response to recent events.
The uptick in violence has manifested in multiple shootings, including a brazen attack in broad daylight, which left one individual dead and several others injured. The grim discovery of a 19-year-old man's body, found partially burned near Nîmes, prompted city officials to declare the situation "untenable." Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier emphasized the need for a curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM, attributing the rise of fear and terror to the activities of drug traffickers. Deputy mayor Richard Schieven highlighted that the curfew aims to protect not only those minors who are innocent but also younger children who may be vulnerable to exploitation by drug gangs.
In Béziers, which is about 120 kilometers southwest of Nîmes, a curfew for children under 13 has been in effect since last year, later extended to include those under 15 in specific areas. Mayor Robert Ménard, referencing the behavior of children on the streets during late hours, stated that it is poor judgment to allow young children to roam at such times.
Despite these protective measures, Béziers has struggled with persistent violence, notably incidents where masked youths have attacked police with fireworks. Similarly, in Limoges, a curfew has been in place for children under 13 during summer months, but Mayor Émile Roger Lombertie remarked that enforcement has been lackluster, admitting that disturbances went unaddressed, hinting at the necessity for greater police presence.
This troubling trend is exacerbated by historical incidents, such as the shooting death of a 10-year-old boy in Nîmes two years ago, underscoring the severity of drug violence's proliferation beyond traditional strongholds like Marseille. The French interior ministry reported alarming statistics for 2024, marking over 110 fatalities and more than 300 injuries tied to drug-related crimes.
In response to the escalating crisis, Justice Minister Gérard Darmanin and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau have championed legislative measures aimed at combating drug trafficking. These initiatives have ushered in the construction of high-security prisons for drug lords, the establishment of a dedicated prosecutorial branch, enhanced investigative powers, and a protective framework for informants. Recently, Darmanin noted that the first 17 of the most notorious drug traffickers in France have been moved to a high-security facility, reflecting the government's intensified crackdown on this pervasive issue.
