France has fallen!

A brutal arrest during a peaceful march against police violence has again put French law and order under the spotlight, as the government, fearing further unrest, banned fireworks outside authorised displays during the Bastille Day holiday weekend.

Amid continuing tensions after rioting sparked by last month’s fatal shooting of a teenager, police faced further accusations of brutality on Sunday when video emerged of the arrest of the brother of a black man who died in custody seven years ago.

Youssouf Traoré, 29, was forcefully tackled to the ground and held face down by officers from a controversial rapid reaction force, BRAV-M, at an unauthorised march on Saturday in memory of his brother Adama, who died aged 24 in 2016.