UN experts voice concern over excessive use of force by French police
United Nations experts have expressed concern over reports of excessive use of force during protests in France earlier this year over controversial pension reform plans by President Emanuel Macron.
“The lack of restraint in the use of force against members of civil society for demanding their rightful participation in decision-making processes concerning their future, access to natural resources, the protection of human rights, dignity and equality would not only be anti-democratic, but profoundly worrying for the protection of the rule of law,” the experts said in a statement on Thursday.
They called on authorities to undertake a comprehensive review of their policing strategies and practices to enable protesters to voice their concerns and facilitate peaceful demonstrations and participation in public affairs.
Experts noted that protesters from all age groups and different social movements - including trade unions and environmentalists - promoted and adopted peaceful methods, and organizers' demands were clearly stated before the rallies.
“The police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowds: ammunition that France is the only European country to use in public order operations,” the experts said.
According to reports, the police crackdown left dozens of people injured, including protesters, journalists, elected officials, and passers-by.
The Brav-M motorcycle brigade reportedly threatened and beat demonstrators in Paris, and police in Sainte-Soline reportedly fired rubber bullets from four-wheeled motorbikes. Reports of arbitrary arrests of several people were also published in different cities.
"We know that some isolated acts of violence have damaged public property and injured members of the security forces, but the number of people injured and the intensity of the reported violence are alarming," the experts said.
The experts once again called on the authorities to promote freedom of association by taking the necessary measures to investigate violent acts during the protests and prosecute the perpetrators.
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