Mathieu Kassovitz on protests in France, Digi Mart USA News (France): Filmmaker and actor Mathieu Kassovitz appeared on the RMC program Les Grandes Gueules on Thursday, November 5, as social movements have affected France for several weeks. He said he had joined a demonstration alongside high school students, describing it as a role he takes seriously as a citizen.
Kassovitz said he was shocked by the damage and looting of small shops on October 17 and 18. On RMC Story, he said, “The rioters are necessary, unfortunately.” He argued that governments understand only force and that the root causes of youth anger must be addressed.
Kassovitz claimed that for about a week young people had been beaten by police without reason, and that officers follow orders from above. He criticized the government’s strategy of wearing down the movement, describing a vicious cycle of actions and reactions that the government must break.
He said he supports increasing police budgets but opposes the use of LBD rubber-ball launchers and armored vehicles against high school students. Facing him, lawyer Sandrine Pégand noted that many police officers had been injured.
Kassovitz replied that officers are professionals who respond proportionately under orders, and that the clashes involved injured young people on both sides.
Kassovitz also condemned all violence, saying attacks on shop windows, especially those of small stores, were appalling and that those responsible should be prosecuted.
