In France, there is increasing criticism of the police’s actions in the ongoing pension protests. Human rights groups say they are concerned about what they call arbitrary or preventive arrests. They also speak of excessive use of force.
The violence has been condemned by, among others, the Council of Europe. Human Rights Commissioner Dunja Mijatovic points out that police officers have also been victims. “But the sporadic violence of some demonstrators and others cannot justify the excessive police brutality. Nor are these acts sufficient to deprive peaceful demonstrators of their right to freedom of assembly.”
The French organization Ligue des droits de l’Homme states that “the right to demonstrate is undermined by the disproportionate and dangerous use of force”. Human Rights Watch also says it is concerned about police practices. There are reports that students and passers-by have been detained and tear gas has been fired at closed places.
Criticism also comes from journalism. Reporters faced “arbitrary arrests, assaults and harassment by police,” according to Reporters Without Borders. This organization wants the interior minister to call the security services to order.
Macron: ‘Security services are acting in an exemplary manner’
Security officials defend the actions of the police. They argue that there is a response to violent rioters and anarchist groups who regularly infiltrate demonstrations to provoke clashes. President Emmanuel Macron on Friday condemned the protesters’ violence, saying security services had operated “in an exemplary manner”.
In France, demonstrations have been taking place since January against pension reforms, including raising the retirement age. Since the government pushed through the reforms last week, many demonstrations have become disordered. Thursday was the most violent day since the start of the wave of protests. The police arrested more than 450 people. More than 400 officers were injured, according to authorities.
