From Nanterre to Marseille, from Rouen to Lyon, we only see them in the images: these fireworks that color nights of tension. Some target public buildings or police crews, others are simply thrown into the street. Admittedly, the use of these artificial mortars (not to be confused with the weapons of war that are mortars) is not specific to the violence linked to the death, Tuesday in Nanterre, of Nahel but illustrates their democratization for a decade.
Launched horizontally, these devices with a very simple composition – a cardboard or metal tube and a low explosive charge – can reach a speed of 100 km/h and turn into weapons by destination, causing damage, fires , but also injuries and even deaths.
“Now it’s all year round”
“At the time of the Zyed and Bouna affair, in 2005, there were no fireworks. The rioters mainly used gasoline and made molotov cocktails, ”recalls Thomas Sauvadet, researcher at Paris-Est Créteil University and specialist in urban violence. These machines appeared on the streets in the 1990s. “At that time, they were mainly used around July 14 and New Year’s Eve, specifies Thierry Clair, deputy secretary general of Unsa Police. It could already be violent, directed against the forces of order, but it was concentrated on a few days. Now it’s all year round. »
In the opinion of many police officers, the 2010s mark a turning point, and these devices are gradually taking over the streets. “Today, as soon as we are confronted with urban violence, we are almost sure that there will be fireworks”, abounds a police source. This popularity is explained in particular by their very visual aspect. “These mortars are not only used against the police, notes Thierry Clair. Some bands use it to mark their territory – there is sound and light – or in clashes with another band. These devices are also made popular by the virality of certain videos. On social networks, “channels”, especially on Telegram or Snapchat, almost resemble an illegal fireworks contest.
Legislation already strengthened
In an attempt to stem the phenomenon, Emmanuel Macron asked this Friday for the systematic taking of orders “prohibiting the sale and transport of mortars”. Theoretically, they are prohibited for those under 18 and can only be sold to people who hold a training certificate or an authorization. The regulations in this area were reinforced in 2021 by the so-called “Global Security” law. From now on, the purchase, possession, use and sale of fireworks mortars to non-professionals are punishable by penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of 7,500 euros. Double if it takes place on the Internet.
“The transformation of this fine into an offense has rather had an effect on stores that have a storefront, not really on the Internet,” laments Thierry Clair. On social networks, traffic thrives. For example, in a few clicks, you can find Telegram channels that offer these mortars for sale. The principle is the same as for “Ubershit”: on these loops, the seller delivers by hand, sometimes by La Poste. The success has been such in recent days, and with the approach of July 14, that many have run out. “Too many messages, everything comes back on Tuesday, there are no more stocks,” writes one of these chains. Selling price on this one: 10 euros per piece, 240 euros per box of 30.
The mortar, a visible but not unique weapon
However, if these machines are particularly visible, they are far from being the only weapons used. Among the 249 police officers injured in the night from Thursday to Friday, many were injured by throwing projectiles: cobblestones, pieces of tar, petanque balls. “When we visit the roofs of buildings with social landlords, it is not uncommon to discover a whole bunch of ready-to-use projectiles. A petanque ball that falls from six floors does a lot of damage, even with a helmet, ”assures the trade unionist.
Some crews also reported throwing Molotov cocktails last night. Emmanuel Macron has also asked the prefects to ban the sale and transport of cans of gasoline, acids and flammable products. Will that be enough to restore calm?