polls

Police Oversight Under ​Fire as Report reveals ‘Judicial Scandal‘ in Handling of Protest Cases

PARIS – ‌A new report by an unnamed NGO alleges a⁣ systemic lack of⁣ accountability in investigations conducted by the Inspection Générale des polices Nationales (IGPN),​ France’s police oversight body, regarding injuries sustained ⁤during protests. The findings, presented​ this week, detail​ numerous cases where investigations yielded no results despite clear evidence, leaving victims feeling ignored and fueling calls for independent oversight.

The report highlights a pattern of investigations closing without action, even when judges have identified potential ‌perpetrators.This opacity, critics say, effectively denies⁤ victims legal standing and perpetuates a cycle of impunity. The surge in protest-related injuries in recent years-particularly ⁣those involving controversial law enforcement weapons like LBDs ​(launchers of tear gas and dispersal grenades)-has amplified concerns about the thoroughness ‍and impartiality of internal investigations.

Mélanie N’goye-Gaham, injured during a 2019 demonstration, expressed ⁤her frustration with the IGPN investigation into her ​case, stating it “gave zero” results despite a judge identifying two potential shooters. “Receiving a classification without further action is a second blow,” she testified. ​Vanessa Langard, whose face was broken by an LBD shot on the Champs-Élysées in 2018, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We still don’t have victim status, we don’t exist. We‌ are numbers.”

The NGO ⁣contends that⁢ self-regulation within the police force is insufficient and is urging parliamentary intervention. ⁢”The ​ball is in the parliamentary court,” stated Lionel Perrin of ‌the NGO, calling ‍for a commission of inquiry and the creation of a⁣ fully independent oversight body.

Several left-wing⁣ parliamentarians-including Danièle Obono, Thomas Portes, Sandra Regol, and Corinne Narassiguin-attended the report’s presentation, alongside Céline⁢ Roux, deputy of the Defender of rights. Abdelkader Lahmar, ⁤a deputy from La France Insoumise, expressed his readiness to “dig” into the legislative track,⁣ noting the ancient⁣ invisibility ‍of‍ victims in such cases.

The ‍report arrives amid growing scrutiny of police conduct in‍ France and increasing demands for greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The call ⁢for an independent ​oversight body reflects a broader​ push to address systemic issues within the police and ensure justice for those injured during protests.

Source: Le⁢ Nouvel Obs with AFP