Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Violence erupts during Paris protests demanding justice for Chinese man who was gunned down by police

Police fire tear gas after scuffles broke out at the end of the demonstration

Sunday 02 April 2017 18:49 EDT
Comments
Clouds of tear gas fill the Place de la Republique during clashes between French riot police and members of the Chinese community
Clouds of tear gas fill the Place de la Republique during clashes between French riot police and members of the Chinese community (REUTERS)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Violence erupted as thousands of protestors gathered in Paris to demand justice for the Chinese man who was killed at his home by police.

Shaoyo Liu, 56, was shot dead by officers in his apartment. They were responding to a report that a man with a knife had burst into the property.

Police have claimed that Mr Liu attacked an officer with a pair scissors when they entered the property, which led to him being gunned down - a claim disputed by his family.

A week after he was killed, his wife and two daughters were among the crowds at a demonstration about his death in Paris' Place de la Republique.

Although largely peaceful, as the rally ended a group of a few hundred Chinese youths clashed with police officers.

As scuffles broke out and projectiles were thrown some members of the crowd shouted the “police are murderers”, according to the Russia Today TV news channel.

Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds.

It was unclear whether anyone was injured or whether any arrests had been made, but the protest followed a number of similar demonstrations about Mr Liu's death.

Last week, three officers were slightly injured in the incident and one police vehicle was damaged by an incendiary device.

Relatives of Mr Liu have disputed the official account and claimed he was holding kitchen scissors because he was cooking.

Many of the demonstrators held scissors made of cardboard, which have become a symbol of the attack.

The family have appealed for an end to violence at the protests over what many members of the Chinese community believe to be an unjustified killing.

A French intelligence report leaked to Le Parisien newspaper said Chinese criminals, including a “mafia boss” known for involvement in prostitution and unlicensed gambling, had been spotted coordinating the demonstrators.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in