PROTESTERS OPPOSE BILL BROADENING POLICE USE OF FIREARMS

PARIS, SEPTEMBER 20 /SRNA/ – Several thousand people gathered in Paris to protest against a proposed law that would expand the circumstances in which French police can use firearms, Le Monde reported.

Under the draft law, police officers who use firearms while carrying out their duties would be presumed to have acted lawfully unless evidence showed otherwise. Critics say this would shift the burden of proof onto victims or their families.

Lawmakers from left-wing parties and trade union representatives also took part in the demonstrations, arguing that the measure would effectively give police a "license to kill."

Similar protests were held across the country.

Mathilde Panot, a lawmaker from the left-wing France Unbowed party, said there should be no place for police impunity in France.

The bill was adopted by the lower house of parliament in July after the government invoked a constitutional procedure to secure its passage. The Senate is expected to consider the legislation in October.