Extreme security measures in Nantes after violent clashes over man’s death at music festival

People are demanding answers after Steve Maia Canico drowned last month

Friday 02 August 2019 18:11 BST
Comments
People gather by the French Police authorities in Paris to pay tribute to Steve Maia Canico, who died near Nantes
People gather by the French Police authorities in Paris to pay tribute to Steve Maia Canico, who died near Nantes

The western French city of Nantes has imposed exceptional security measures amid growing public anger over the drowning of a local man following a violent clash between police and people attending a music festival.

Emmanuel Macron's government is coming under increased pressure and criticism as the death of 22-year-old Steve Maia Canico is becoming a national issue.

Interior minister Christophe Castaner promised on Friday that "all the truth will be known" about the drowning due to an administrative inquiry and a judicial investigation.

After Mr Canico's body was found this week, Edouard Philippe, the French prime minister, said no link could be made between the police operation on 22 June at the festival and his death.

But festival participants disagreed, saying police fired tear gas to get the music to stop and disperse the crowd, causing some people to fall into the adjacent Loire River. Fourteen people had to be rescued from the water.

Mr Castaner acknowledged there were "some questions about the use of tear gas".

Mr Canico's supporters planned memorials in Nantes on Saturday but authorities banned them.

Regional prefect Claude d'Harcourt said that police are preparing for "maximum risk" based on intelligence that troublemakers threatened to "steal the moment of emotion" of the gatherings.

The case sparked emotion in the country and prompted criticism on the police operation and authorities' attitude.

The hashtag #ouestSteve (#whereisSteve) spread on the social media during the five weeks before his body was recovered and 89 people filed complaints against French authorities for "putting other people's life and security in danger".

Cecile de Oliveira, the Lawyer for Mr Canico's family, told Ouest-France regional newspaper that his relatives are angry at the situation.

"Their grief is damaged by the fact that Steve is being treated as a major political issue," she said, adding that his family wants his memory to be respected as a "nonviolent and modest young man".

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Claims of police violence echoed similar accusations from demonstrators during months of yellow vest anti-government protests that left dozens of demonstrators injured, some losing an eye or a hand.

Dozens of police officers have also been injured in the often violent social economic movement that started in November 2018.

Associated Press

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in