Posted on 05/19/2021 6:23:46 AM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
PARIS - French police officers held a huge demonstration outside parliament Wednesday to press for a law that protects the protectors who are feeling vulnerable to attacks, angry and useless.
The rally by security forces represented a bold and unusual move for members of an institution that stresses duty and discretion. The protest also morphed into what looked like a campaign stop for politicians ahead of regional elections next month and a presidential race next year, with security a top concern.
With two officers killed in recent weeks - one in a terrorist attack and another by a suspected 19-year-old delinquent - and constant encounters with young people who throw objects and fireworks, police are angry.
“Paid to Serve, Not to Die” read a giant banner in front of the National Assembly, the lower chamber of parliament.
Police are calling for a law that guarantees jail time for those who assault them and for a justice system that punishes the small-time offenders they arrest and re-arrest after courts set them free.
Polls show broad support for police, but critics cite instances of brutality, including a man who died this year after a beating. A group of organizations filed a lawsuit in January contending systemic racism in France’s security forces.
Officers reject what they label as “police bashing” that undermines their work.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
Police officers demonstrate Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in Paris. French police, feeling angry, vulnerable to attacks and useless, are holding an unusual demonstration Wednesday outside parliament to press for a law that protects the protectors. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
They need to combine with the armed forces who signed that letter the other day and clean house.
Ping.
Oh dear! (in french)
Tell that to Arnaud Beltrame. ... The priest who was to have officiated at the wedding was called to Beltrame’s bedside where Marielle was keeping vigil on Friday evening to give him the last rites. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/28/france-holds-state-funeral-for-police-hero-of-trebes-siege
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