Video of Fires in the Philippines Resurfaced After France Riots
The Claim
A video shows rioters destroying the Alcazar Library during the recent riots.
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Emerging story
Amidst the recent riots in France, social media users circulated a video purporting to show rioters destroying the Alcazar Library in Marseille.
A Twitter user stated, “Rioters have destroyed the largest library in France with fire. The Alcazar Library in Marseille included an archive of one million rare and historically significant documents. Not a bad thing if you're trying to erase history and rewrite it.”
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating video and found the claim to be misleading.
After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar’s team found the video making the rounds to be outdated and unrelated to the recent riots in France.
The Video Shows a Fire Destroying the Philippine Post Office
Contrary to social media users’ viral claims, the video features a massive fire engulfing the Central Post Office, located in the capital city of Manila, Philippines, on May 22, 2023.
At the time, news outlets reported the incident and uploaded similar video clips showing the classically-designed Central Post Office building engulfed in flames and emitting thick, dark smoke.
Other videos unequivocally confirmed that the Central Post Office in Manila is the building featured in the social media posts, distinguishing it from the Alcazar library in Marseille, which has a unique appearance.
The Alcazar Library in Marseille
The viral video that is circulating online does not show the Alcazar Library in Marseille. After searching for information about the library on the internet, Misbar's team found that Alamy uploaded photos of the real Alcazar Library in Marseille.
It is obvious that the library featured in the circulating video has a distinct facade that differs from the Alcazar Library in Marseille.
The Alcazar Library, located in Marseille, opened in 1857 and quickly became a popular venue in the city.
The owner, Etienne Demolins, invested heavily in creating an architectural design inspired by the Moorish style of the Alhambra in Granada, along with extravagant decorations. After a period of closure, the establishment reopened in December 1873 with the same architectural theme.
In 1931, it was converted to a cinema before returning to its original purpose in 1949, hosting Marseille shows and operettas. In 2004, the site was reopened as a regional public library, housing a vast collection of documents and valuable items such as old manuscripts.
Rally Against Police Violence Despite Bans
Thousands of protesters in France marched in central Paris to protest against police violence.
The riots were initially sparked by the killing of a 17-year-old of Algerian and Moroccan origin. A police officer involved in the incident is currently under investigation for voluntary homicide, with his lawyer claiming no intention to kill the teenager.
The police dispersed around 2,000 protesters from Place de la Republique, with some continuing their peaceful march along Boulevard Magenta. Two individuals were arrested during the protest. Similar demonstrations against police violence occurred in other cities, such as Marseille and Strasbourg, while a gathering in Lille was banned by authorities.
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