July 10, 2009
The riots began after some 200 people staged a sit-in in front of the house of the family of Mohamed Benmouna, a local 21-year-old who had been arrested on extortion charges, died after what police said was a suicide attempt. Police said he attempted to hang himself in his cell and fell into a coma.
About 150 riot police were deployed, reinforced by a helicopter, as youths went on a rampage in the town center, setting fire to a pharmacy, a bakery and several small shops.
Metal grills protecting the shops and stone-throwing by local youths made it difficult for emergency services to put out the fires, local authorities said.
Benmouna's family filed a lawsuit to clarify the circumstances of his death, but asked people to stay calm.
An autopsy confirmed he died of suffocation and his body showed no traces of violence, said the state prosecutor in Saint-Etienne, the nearest major city.
An inquiry into the case has been opened by the IGPN, the police inspectorate.
Start of a silent demonstration
Demonstration going to the central police station
