The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Friday called on France to “promptly and seriously resolve” the problems of racism and racial discrimination within its police forces.
The appeal comes three days after the death of a 17-year-old French teenager shot dead by a police officer in Nanterre, on the outskirts of Paris, sparking three consecutive nights of rioting in France.
“The time has come for the country to seriously address the deep-rooted problems of racism and racial discrimination among law enforcement officials”said Ravina Shamdasani, OHCHR spokesperson, at a press conference in Geneva.
At least 667 people were arrested in France overnight, the third of all protests held following the death of a 17-year-old by police, according to data from France’s Interior Ministry.
Nahel was killed behind the wheel of a car on Tuesday during a roadside check by two police motorcyclists near Paris.
After three nights of rioting in France, which caused significant material damage, “we call on the authorities to ensure that the use of force by the police to confront violent elements during demonstrations always respects the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and non discrimination.” , caution and responsibility,” the spokesperson underlined.
Shamdasani also expressed concern over the violence that erupted after the young man’s death.
“We know that there was a lot of looting and violence, by certain elements who use the demonstrations for these purposes, and that a large number of police officers were also injured.”he said.
The OHCHR spokeswoman emphasized that this is precisely why she is calling on “all authorities” so that “even if there are clearly violent elements in the demonstrations”, it is “fundamental that the police always respect the principles of legality , necessity and proportionality”. , non-discrimination, precaution and responsibility”.
In a message published on Twitter, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin assured that instructions had been given to the security forces to remain “steadfast”.
The French government also announced today that 249 police officers were injured in the night from Thursday to today.
French President Emmanuel Macron has already called another crisis meeting for today and has shortened his presence in Brussels, where he is taking part in a European summit, to return to Paris.
40,000 police officers have been deployed to try to put an end to disturbances that have been dragging on for several days in social housing in Nanterre and other deprived areas of the French capital.
The death of young Nahel on Tuesday at a traffic check, captured by surveillance cameras, has reignited tension between young people and the police.
Clashes with security forces broke out in Nanterre on Tuesday night and public buildings were damaged and cars set on fire in the early hours of Thursday, with around 150 people arrested.
The police officer suspected of the death of the young man charged with murder has been arrested and remains in custody.
Nahel was shot in the chest during a traffic stop after he refused to obey. The minimum age to legally drive is 18 years old.
Source: DN
