France was in uproar on Sunday for the fifth day in a row over the killing of Algerian-born Muslim teenager Nahel. The mayor’s home in Hay-les-Roses, outside the capital Paris, was attacked and a car set on fire, leaving the mayor’s wife with a broken leg. The country’s police are failing despite all efforts to stop the fire-violence. Another 719 people were arrested. 2 thousand were arrested for this. However, the level of protest has decreased slightly.
Along with the demand to eliminate racism and discrimination, the demand to repeal the law allowing the police to use guns at traffic posts has also been strong. Human rights organizations say that this type of shooting at traffic posts has increased at least 5 times as a result of the government’s approval. Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation about the critical situation. News from BBC and Reuters.
Apart from Nahel, two other drivers have been shot and killed by the country’s police this year at a traffic stop. A record 13 such murders occurred last year. Most of the victims were of black or Arab origin. Due to the loss of life and the spread of riots in these shootings, the question has now arisen, what is the legal basis for shooting at a traffic stop?
The French government changed the law in 2017. Since then French police have been allowed to shoot in 5 special cases. This includes – when the driver or passenger of the vehicle disobeys an order to stop and poses a risk to the life or physical safety of a police officer or other people. If these conditions arise, the police can shoot.
The French government changed the law by legalizing shooting for police safety. Unemployment and crime rates are high in poor areas around the capital. As a result, it is said by the police that they are being attacked.
However, after the legalization of shooting, the number of murders increased. In 2022, 39 people were killed by the police. Among them were 13 drivers, who were shot by the police for disobeying orders.
Henri Leclerc, president of the French NGO Human Rights League, said the law encouraged police officers to shoot. Because this law gives them ‘legal protection’ to shoot. Some politicians have also called for a review of the law.
According to the survey, 27 people were killed by the police in 2017, 40 in 2020 and 52 in 2021.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne has warned that those involved in the attack on the girl’s house and family members will be severely punished. He visited the site on Sunday. Mayors across the country have called for rallies in town halls today to protest the attack.
Rumors are being spread on social media along with the riots. Internet service is being released as off. Apart from this, many people are continuing to call the picture of a group of young people fleeing with a police car filmed in a film. The country’s police say these are false.
A curfew has been imposed in Darnetal in northern France to deal with riots. The administration has banned the movement of people below 16 years of age here. It will be in force from July 2 to July 31.