Police in Baltimore, USA, Imposes Curfew Regulations

Following ongoing clashes and chaos in Baltimore, USA, sparked by citizens' anger over police treatment of African Americans, the city's security forces have decided to impose a curfew from 10 PM to 5 AM. According to news reports, on the night of April 27, several hundred rioters disregarded the established regulations and remained in the streets. Reports also indicate a fire near a library. France Press reports that a group of riot police charged at a group of mostly Black young people late at night. Protesters threw whatever they could find at the police. Police forces used pepper balls and smoke bombs to disperse the crowd. Armored police vehicles have been deployed on the streets of Baltimore to support the curfew, which is expected to last for a week. The Baltimore police stated on Twitter that journalists are exempt from the nighttime regulations. The unrest escalated when Freddie Gray, a young Black man, died in police custody. According to American news networks, Mr. Gray was arrested on a weapons-related charge after a police chase, but died while in custody due to severe spinal injuries. Officials have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into his death. In recent months, protests have escalated in various U.S. cities over police treatment of African Americans, sometimes leading to street violence. In some cases, including in Baltimore, there have been reports of clashes between criminal groups and police amid the protests. France Press states that many who spoke to the agency condemned the rioters while also expressing distrust in the police.