Thousands of people marched in several French cities on Saturday to protest against police violence and racism, demanding justice for the victims of police brutality and calling for reforms in the law enforcement system.
The nationwide demonstrations were organised by the left-wing parties, trade unions and civil society groups, who denounced the use of excessive force by the police and the lack of accountability for their actions. They also criticised the government’s security policies, which they said were eroding civil liberties and stigmatising minorities.
The protesters targeted article 435-1 of the internal security code, which was introduced in 2017 and allows the police to use their firearms in situations where they face a serious threat or resistance from a suspect. The activists argued that this law gives the police a license to kill and increases the risk of abuse and impunity.
The protests came three months after the killing of a 17-year-old boy named Amine Bentounsi by a police officer during a traffic check in Nantes, which sparked over a week of riots in several cities. The officer, who claimed he acted in self-defence, was charged with manslaughter but released under judicial supervision.
According to the organisers, more than 80,000 people participated in the rallies across France, including 15,000 in Paris. However, the interior ministry gave lower figures, estimating that 31,300 people took part nationwide, with 9,000 in Paris.
According to the French media, the march in Paris was mostly peaceful, but some clashes broke out between a group of black-clad protesters and the police near the end of the route. The radicals smashed windows of a bank branch and attacked a police car that was stuck in traffic, injuring three officers. The police responded with tear gas and batons, and arrested six people.
The interior minister Gerald Darmanin condemned the violence and expressed his support for the police. He tweeted: “We see where anti-police hatred leads. Unacceptable violence against the forces of law and order.”
According to the media report, the national mobilisation has received support from various film personalities, totaling 150 individuals. These include acclaimed director Justine Triet, who won the Palme d’Or in 2023, as well as renowned actors Reda Kateb and Benoît Magimel. Additionally, producer Sylvie Pialat has also joined this movement.
