Thousands march in France against police force bill facing Senate vote
Thousands of people marched across French cities on Sunday to protest a draft law that would presume police officers acted legally when using their weapons.
Demonstrators oppose the proposed legislation
Activists, politicians, and rights groups joined the Paris demonstration alongside Mathilde Panot of the France Unbowed party. Critics argue the measure creates a licence to kill for police and gendarmes by reversing the burden of proof in incidents involving force.
The bill passed the lower house
Deputies in the National Assembly approved the bill in July, stating that any official using force is assumed to have acted legally. The legislation now faces a vote in the Senate before it can become law.
Marchers demand accountability for police
Amal Bentousi attended the rally as the sister of a man shot by police in 2012. She described the proposal as a licence to execute and warned against organized police impunity within the Republic.
2 outlets, different leads
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South China Morning Post
Thousands march in France against ‘licence to kill’ draft law
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France 24
Thousands protest in France against bill expanding protections for police use of force
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.