The total amount raised in a crowdfunding campaign for the family of a French police officer has surpassed 1.4 million euros as of Tuesday, which is more than the 352,000 euros collected for the family of his victim, Naël Marzouki. This has sparked outrage among a significant portion of French society.
French right-wing journalist Jean Messia has been leading the fundraising efforts through the American platform "GoFundMe." In a tweet after launching the campaign, he stated, "This police officer is a victim of a wicked local hunt. This is a scandal," adding, "The fundraising efforts... are a symbol of France saying no to this betrayal."
The police officer in question faces charges of intentional homicide and is currently in custody.
Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure has urged the platform to stop the campaign, saying, "You are widening a gap that is already broad by supporting a police officer under investigation for intentional homicide. Stop this!"
For his part, Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti mentioned on Radio France Internationale that everyone has the right to donate to a crowdfunding campaign, adding, "I do not believe that [Messia's campaign] is going in the direction of calming the situation."
Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron met on Tuesday with over 200 mayors at the Élysée Palace to hear their testimonies regarding the unrest that has sparked turmoil in French streets.
