This Lions Parade Was Not Shot During the Recent Riots in France
The Claim
A video shows lions roaming in France’s streets amidst the recent riots.
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Emerging story
Amidst the recent riots in France, social media users circulated a video purporting to show a parade of lions roaming the streets.
A Twitter user tweeted, "Animals let loose, roaming in the streets of Paris. Who thought a country in Europe would easily fall into shambles as this?"
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the widely circulated video and found the claim to be misleading.
A reverse image search revealed the video making the rounds to be outdated and unrelated to the recent riots in France.
Video of Lions Roaming the Streets Predates the Recent Riots in France
The video was not shot in France, as recently claimed.
Complex, a news Facebook page, originally published the video on October 21, 2020, and provided credit to the individual who filmed it.
Another Facebook user published the video on October 22, 2020, under the caption, “Who started this game of Jumanji...(via IG/andrewparsons5)”
Additionally, Eduardo Arce, a YouTube channel, also uploaded the same video on October 22, 2020. The video's caption stated, "Lions walking among the cars," without specifying the exact location of the video.
France Riots Ease After Intensifying
After five days of violent protests triggered by the shooting of teenager Nahel M during a police traffic stop, the riots in France seem to be subsiding. Sunday night witnessed a decrease in violence, resulting in fewer arrests.
Despite the relative calmness on Sunday night, authorities were cautious not to prematurely declare a return to normalcy on Monday.
To ensure a "return to calm," President Macron has requested the Ministry of the Interior to maintain a significant police presence throughout France. Buses and trams in the Paris region will be suspended early on Monday night.
Over the past three nights, approximately 45,000 officers have been deployed across the country. On Sunday night, more than 150 people were arrested, a decrease compared to over 700 arrests the previous night. The number of cars set on fire was 297, significantly lower than the 1,900 on Thursday, and 34 buildings were damaged or set ablaze, down from over 500 on Thursday.
Nahel's Family Calls for Violence to End
Over the weekend, Nahel's family, the teenager who was killed by the police, made a plea for the violence to come to an end. Nahel's grandmother accused the rioters of exploiting his death as a pretext and implored them to cease the destruction of public property.
Another relative, speaking to the BBC, expressed that the family did not desire the death of Nahel to incite riots but emphasized the need for changes in the legislation concerning the use of lethal force during traffic stops.
Previously, Misbar’s team debunked a viral video of animals roaming in France’s streets during the recent riots.
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The Video of Animals Roaming the Streets Predates the Riots in France
