This archive report was first published on 3 August 2019.
On August 3, 2019, a crowd gathered near the Loire River in Nantes, France, where the body of 24-year-old Steve Maia Canico was discovered earlier that week.
His death occurred just days after he was last seen alive at an all-night event on June 21-22, when police used tear gas to break up the party, resulting in over a dozen people falling into the river during clashes.
Protesters, including mothers who feared for their children's safety, gathered near a portrait of Steve, throwing flowers into the river and holding up placards with slogans demanding justice.
Later that day, around 1,700 protesters marched on the local police headquarters, cathedral, and chateau, with some setting up barricades and windows being broken.
Police responded with tear gas and water cannon, and 40 people were arrested for 'acts of violence and carrying a weapon.'
Two people were injured, including a police officer and a 54-year-old protester who suffered a heart attack.
The family of Steve disassociated themselves from any violence and pleaded for calm, while the head of the national police's general inspectorate denied any wrongdoing.
A judicial enquiry has been opened into Steve's death, with witnesses being questioned.
