The demonstrations culminated in clashes at the periphery of the Paris rally, reflecting the simmering discontent regarding law enforcement practices in the country.
The protests come in the wake of a tragic incident nearly three months ago when a police officer shot and killed a young person during a routine traffic stop near Paris. This incident triggered more than a week of rioting in the French capital and other regions.
In the heart of Paris, demonstrators from various age groups displayed placards bearing slogans such as "Stop state violence," "Don't forgive or forget," and "The law kills." A striking symbol of justice with its eyes crossed out in red served as a potent visual representation of their message.
The primary focus of the protesters was Article 435-1 of the internal security code, enacted in 2017, which extends the authority of law enforcement to use firearms in situations where a suspect refuses to comply.
These demonstrations were organized in response to a call from various left-leaning groups, including the radical left party France Unbowed (LFI).
According to labor unions, approximately 80,000 people joined the protests across the nation, with 15,000 of them in Paris.
However, the interior ministry's official count differed, estimating the total number of participants at 31,300 nationwide, with 9,000 in the French capital.
The march occurred shortly after the release of the annual report by the IGPN (Inspectorate General of the National Police), responsible for investigating police misconduct.
The report revealed that in 2022, 38 individuals lost their lives due to police actions, with 22 of them being shot and killed. Notably, 13 of these deaths resulted from situations where individuals refused to comply with police orders.
These protests underscore the ongoing public concern regarding police violence and the need for reforms in law enforcement practices in France. (ILKHA)