Thousands Protest in France Against Police Force Bill
In a nationwide protest, thousands in Paris and other cities demanded the rejection of a bill that would presume police use of force as lawful. Activists, politicians, and human‑rights groups warned that the measure could create a licence to kill and increase police impunity.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Sunday, a wave of demonstrations swept across France, with thousands of protesters converging on Paris and other major cities to oppose a controversial bill that would automatically deem police and gendarmerie use of force as lawful. The legislation, approved by the National Assembly in July, would shift the burden of proof in cases of police shootings, potentially granting law‑enforcement officers a “licence to kill.” The protests culminated in a call for the bill to be voted down in the Senate, where it now awaits deliberation.
What the Bill Aims to Do
The proposed law states that any law‑enforcement official who employs force is presumed to have acted legally when using a weapon. Supporters argue that the measure would prevent officers from being automatically investigated or detained after a shooting, thereby safeguarding operational efficiency. Critics, however, contend that the bill erodes accountability and could lead to unchecked police violence.
Nationwide Mobilisation
Paris was the focal point of the protest, drawing a diverse coalition of activists, politicians, and human‑rights advocates. Among the demonstrators was Mathilde Panot of the hard‑left France Unbowed (LFI) party, who warned that the legislation would create a “category of citizens who have the right of life or death over other citizens.” She called for the Senate to reject the bill, stressing that “in the Republic there can be no organised police impunity.”
Other voices joined the chorus of dissent. Amal Bentousi, sister of Amine, who was shot in the back by police in a 2012 incident in Seine‑Saint‑Denis, described the bill as a “licence to execute.” She argued that the legislation would reverse the burden of proof in such cases, effectively shielding officers from scrutiny.
International human‑rights groups also took part. Amnesty International, France’s magistrates’ union, and the League of Human Rights marched in Paris, underscoring the global concern over police accountability. In Marseille, Amnesty’s Cedric Picard warned that the new law could “only grow police violence.” A high‑school student named Hugo echoed these fears, noting that police abuse is already among the worst in France.
Other Cities Join the Call
Protests were not limited to the capital. Lyon saw 4,500 participants, while Toulouse reported 3,700. In Rennes, the demonstration turned tense when eight people were arrested and three police officers were injured after projectiles were thrown. Police officials in Rennes urged caution, citing the potential for escalation.
Across the country, the public’s response was quantified through a petition on the National Assembly website, which amassed 730,000 signatures. Despite this massive support, a parliamentary law committee dismissed the petition in July, a decision that further inflamed public sentiment.
Political and Public Reactions
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned on Saturday that police should remain “particularly vigilant” during the protests, fearing incidents that could undermine public safety. The minister’s remarks came amid growing concerns that the bill might embolden police officers to act with impunity.
Defenders of the bill, meanwhile, maintain that it is necessary to prevent law‑enforcement officers from being automatically investigated or detained after a shooting. They argue that the current legal framework places undue pressure on officers, potentially hindering their ability to perform their duties effectively.
What Happens Next?
The bill now faces a vote in the Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether to uphold the presumption of legality for police force. The outcome will have lasting implications for police accountability and the relationship between law‑enforcement agencies and the public. Activists and human‑rights groups are preparing for further mobilisations, should the Senate approve the legislation.
As the debate continues, the French public remains divided. While some argue that the bill protects officers from frivolous lawsuits, others insist that it risks normalising police violence and eroding democratic safeguards.
In the coming weeks, the Senate’s decision will be closely watched by civil‑society organisations, international observers, and citizens who fear that the bill could cement a “licence to kill” for police and gendarmes.
For now, the protests serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for police accountability in France, and the power of collective action to shape public policy.
Key facts
- Bill presumes police use of force is lawful, shifting burden of proof
- Thousands protested nationwide, including Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Rennes
- Human‑rights groups and politicians joined the opposition
- Petition of 730,000 signatures dismissed by law committee
- Interior Minister urged police vigilance amid protests
- Senate vote will decide future of police accountability
Why it matters
The bill could fundamentally alter how police violence is investigated in France, potentially granting officers unchecked authority and eroding public trust in law‑enforcement agencies.
Frequently asked questions
What does the bill change about police accountability?
It presumes that any police officer who uses force is acting legally, shifting the burden of proof from the officer to the public.
Why are activists calling it a licence to kill?
Because the bill would effectively allow police to use lethal force without immediate legal scrutiny, potentially increasing impunity.
What is the current status of the bill?
It has passed the National Assembly and is awaiting a vote in the Senate.
Sources
- [1] france24.com — originally reported as “Thousands protest in France against bill expanding protections for police use of force”
