'Understanding anger does not oblige us to justify violence': S'porean actress Sharon Au on France riots

Singaporean actress Sharon Au has shared her thoughts on the recent unrest in France, stressing the importance of distinguishing peaceful protesters from those who resort to violence.

In a Facebook post on Oct. 19, Au, who has been living in Paris for nine years, said she had received numerous messages from family and friends concerned about her safety.

"I am safe, and fortunately away from the areas affected by the unrest," she assured them.

Her comments came after widespread demonstrations across France escalated into violent clashes, looting and property damage by fringe groups.

According to Reuters, approximately 550,000 people joined demonstrations across the country, protesting against rising living costs and declining public services.

While many marched peacefully, violence broke out in several cities, including Paris, Lyon and Marseille.

"Understanding anger does not oblige us to justify violence"

Au said she had spent the past three days resisting the urge to comment on the unrest, acknowledging that she did not fully understand the grievances behind the demonstrations.

She pointed out that she had neither grown up in France nor experienced its public education system, and therefore could not claim to understand the frustrations of French students, teachers and families.

"Nine years of living in Paris have taught me many things. But nine years do not entitle me to pass judgment on an entire nation," she wrote.

Au acknowledged France's longstanding tradition of dissent and said she respected the right of its people to protest, strike and challenge authority.

However, she questioned how the destruction of businesses and public property could contribute to building a better society.

"I respect that (the right to dissent), even when I do not always agree with the methods. But I struggle to reconcile the pursuit of a better society with the destruction of the very society one seeks to improve."

She added that the consequences of such destruction ultimately fall on ordinary people, including those already struggling financially.

Au also stressed the importance of distinguishing peaceful protesters with legitimate grievances from those who take advantage of public anger to engage in violence.

"Understanding anger does not oblige us to justify violence," she wrote.

"Paris is still home"

Reflecting on her experience as a Singaporean living abroad, Au said Singapore and France have very different approaches to public order, collective action and civic responsibilities.

Living in France had challenged many of her assumptions, something she said she was grateful for.

Au acknowledged that democracy could be "uncomfortable, messy, imperfect, and deeply frustrating", but stressed that freedom should also come with responsibility towards others.

Despite the unrest, Au reaffirmed her attachment to the French capital.

"Paris is still home. Even on days when I struggle to recognise her."

Protests in France

The unrest follows weeks of student-led demonstrations across France over deteriorating school conditions and concerns about the country's education system.

Students aged between 15 and 18 have been protesting issues from late September, such as teacher shortages, ageing school buildings and an opaque university admissions process.

However, the movement has since expanded into broader protests about rising costs of living and declining public services, marking the country's worst civil unrest in years.

A 64-year-old Singaporean tourist, who was exposed to tear gas during a protest in Lyon, later recovered and continued his holiday.