Chinese community in France demands justice after Chinese man shot dead by police

The Chinese community in France protested Tuesday in northeast Paris in a reasonable manner to demand justice after French police killed a Chinese man at his home on Sunday.

Hundreds of Chinese protesters gathered in front of a police station on Erik Satie street in the 19th arrondissement of Paris on Tuesday night, to pay homage to the dead man and protest against police violence.

They set up candles on the ground, shouting "justice" and placing signs of "against violence" on board, when they were faced with dozens of French policemen with sticks and shields, said witnesses on the spot.

Tens of French residents, from students to clothing vendors, were also part of the peaceful demonstration against police violence.

Liu, 56-year-old Chinese national and a father of five children, was shot dead on Sunday night in his apartment in the 19th arrondissement by a policeman after a neighbor called the police to report a domestic dispute.

According to the police, Liu was killed after he tried to attack the officer with scissors "as soon as the door was opened." However, Liu's daughter said the police burst through the door, "the shot was gone and my father found himself on the ground."

The girl said her father was holding the scissors because he had been preparing fish for cooking.

"For the first time in France, a Chinese man has been shot dead at home by police for an unconfirmed conflict. We are all very angry and worried," said Zhang Haiping, vice president of the Representative Council of the Asian Associations of France.

"Last year, a Chinese man lost his life in a violent attack by thieves in Aubervilliers. This time it was Mr. Liu who was killed by a policeman. We Chinese residents who have been often badly treated in Paris by the police in case of being robbed or attacked by the thugs, could no longer live safe here," said Zhang.

"Who does not have families and who is not a father or mother?" said Wang Jiaqing, executive chairman of the Association of Chinese Residents in France, calling on Chinese nationals to protest in a reasonable and well-organized way to avoid further injury and to file complaints in a legitimate and reasonable manner.

French Interior Minister Matthias Fekl on Tuesday said an inquiry has been opened after the case of fatal shooting, promising full respect for the law "to establish the facts."

Earlier on Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry called on the French government to ascertain the truth in a quick manner and effectively protect safety and legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese citizens residing in France. Endi