2020 video of men with firearms shared linking to recent protests in France

The video dates back to June 2020, which shows firing between rival gangs in Dijon city

A video of several masked men brandishing axes and firing automatic weapons has gone viral on social media as part of the ongoing turmoil in France caused by the police killing of a teenager. The caption of the viral video states, “Armed rioters show off their arsenal of weapons in France. #FranceRiots #FranceHasFallen #FranceOnFire”

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The same post was shared on Facebook as well

Fact Check- 

A reverse image and key word search on Google led us to a report by The Sun on 16 June, 2020. This report mentioned that the streets of Dijon were overrun by “bloodthirsty Chechen and Algerian gangs” vowing to carry out “revenge attacks”.

The same video was also included in Indian news channel WION’s coverage of the unrest in Dijon allegedly involving members of the local Chechen community.

We found a report published on 16 June 2020 on Daily Mail which featured

similar visuals as the viral video. It states that the well-armed masked men brandishing pistols and weapons belonged to the Chechen gangs. The gang members were prepared to carry out ‘revenge attacks’ after a 16-year-old Chechen was assaulted. The report quoted a source who said that the French government has sent police and military enforcements to the city to bring the situation under control.

 According to a report by Sky News published on 16 June, 2020, “Police reinforcements have been sent into the French city of Dijon after a fourth night of clashes between rival gangs. Youths set fire to vehicles and bins overnight to avenge an alleged attack on a 16-year-old Chechen by drug dealers last week, according to local media reports.” 

Conclusion-

Fact Crescendo found the claim made along with the viral video to False. Though the video is from France it dates back to June 2020, which shows firing between rival gangs in Dijon city. It has no link with the recent violence in France.