Residents of rue Marx Dormoy in the 18th arrondissement of Paris are annoyed by street vendors, to which are now being added the phenomenon of brawls. They point the finger at the inaction of public authorities.
Increasingly recurring scenes of violence. In rue Marx Dormoy, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, brawls have been increasing lately. Three weeks ago, 50 members of the Afghan community clashed with sticks and bladed weapons.
Michèle has lived in the neighborhood for 13 years and witnessed the scene. “I saw people running in all directions. From the machete attack, in my neighborhood, in France, in Paris!”, she remembers, speaking to BFMTV.
The fear of being attacked in the street pushes her to adapt her habits. “I have a special outfit. That is to say, invisible. For women it’s not that obvious. I was still attacked at the start (…) Depending on the time, I change sidewalks .I have directions,” she shares.
Despite this, it is unthinkable for her to leave this neighborhood that she loves. “I am happy at home. We must not say that the population comes from elsewhere and is unbearable. No, the people are correct. But there are phenomena of violence. Why are the public authorities not doing anything ?,” she is surprised.
The police headquarters is strengthening its actions
Added to the brawls are street vendors who at times saturate public spaces and carry out numerous illegal cigarette sales. A situation that this other resident denounces.
“The problem is that there is a saturation effect. The other day, I counted 50. They are still quite insistent in their demand, in their offer of cigarettes. We have the impression of “being an abandoned neighborhood”, laments the latter.
When asked, the Paris police headquarters assured that it had strengthened operations in this sector. “The offensive action of the police has made it possible to date to avoid a lasting settlement as well as an expansion of street vending (…) From September 2022 to date, 80 Afghan nationals have been arrested and placed in police custody,” assure the authorities.
Despite these operations, some traders say they have noticed a drop of up to 30% in their turnover. They demand more security. Contacted, the Paris town hall did not respond to our requests.
David Unal and Tom Becques with Alicia Foricher
