After three people were killed at a Kurdish cultural center, protestors clashed with police in Paris.
Left-wing politicians, Kurdish activists and anti-racism groups marched through Paris to protest the shooting. It is believed that the shooting was racially motivated.
The attack left three other people injured, raising concerns about hate crimes in the country.
According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, a 69-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident. He faces possible murder and attempted murder charges with racist motives.
He sustained injuries during the shooting, and is currently in custody.
On Christmas Eve, thousands gathered at Place de la Republique, eastern Paris, waving flags representing various causes, including Kurdish rights groups and political parties.
Although the gathering was peaceful, some youths were violent and threw projectiles at police, who fired tear gas. Others shouted out slogans against Turkey’s government.
Some demonstrators were able to flip a police vehicle.
Police are trying to calm the fears of the Kurdish community by placing officers on extra alert for Christmas weekend.
Friday’s attack took place at the cultural center and nearby restaurants and hair salons. Interior minister Gerald Darmanin stated that the suspect clearly targeted foreigners.
Kurdish activists claimed that they were warned recently by police about threats to Kurdish areas.
Three Kurdish activists including Sakine Cansiz (founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party or PKK) were shot to death in Paris in 2013.
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