This Video Does Not Feature Rioters Displaying Weapons During France’s Recent Protests
The Claim
A video shows armed rioters displaying their arsenal of weapons in France during the recent riots.
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Amidst the recent riots in France, social media users circulated a video purporting to feature armed rioters displaying their arsenal of weapons in France during the recent riots.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the video and found the claim to be misleading.
A thorough reverse image search revealed the video making the rounds to be outdated and unrelated to France's recent riots.
The Video Features Chechen Gangs in Dijon, France
Contrary to the claim, the video features an armed group of Chechens displaying their weapons in the city of Dijon, eastern France, during protests that erupted following an assault on a 16-year-old Chechen boy.
Media outlets started uploading the video on June 16, 2020.
The YouTube channel of WION published the same video on June 17, 2020.
The video’s title reads, “French city of Dijon turns into war zone | Armed Chechens conduct raids.”
Chechen Gangs Issue a Call for Vengeance
According to authorities in Dijon, gangs issued a call for vengeance on social media, urging Chechens from Belgium and different parts of France to come together for revenge attacks following an assault on a 16-year-old boy.
These Chechen groups utilized social media platforms to make a Europe-wide appeal, aiming to increase the number of armed gang members in order to settle scores on the streets of Dijon in northeastern France.
Videos were published by these gangs, showcasing numerous armed and masked Chechen men. As a result of the violent disturbances that took place overnight, suspected gang members were arrested in Dijon.
France Riots Ease After Tensions
Overnight, the street unrest in France showed signs of calming down after nearly a week of riots and looting triggered by the fatal shooting of a teenager by a police officer. Government figures indicate that the number of arrests decreased to 157.
To manage the clashes that resulted in damage and looting of public buildings and shops in cities like Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Strasbourg. France has deployed around 45,000 police personnel, as well as special forces and armored vehicles.
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