What’s behind French protests against a new police bill?
Critics say controversial law will give police officers a 'licence to kill'.
France was rocked by protests on Sunday against proposed legislation that would grant additional protections to law enforcement officials using firearms in the line of duty.
The new law, which critics say will grant police officers a “licence to kill”, comes amid mounting allegations of police brutality in recent years, particularly against immigrant communities in the banlieues – outlying suburbs – of Paris and other major cities.
Thousands of people marched in France over the weekend against the proposed law which would grant armed police and gendarmes the presumption of self-defence if they use their weapons while carrying out their duties.
Addressing crowds in Paris during Sunday’s protest, she said, “In the Republic there can be no organised police impunity. In the Republic, there cannot be a category of citizens who have the right of life or death over other citizens.”