Protests Erupt in France Over Proposed Police Firearms Bill

Police and protesters clashed in Paris over the weekend as thousands demonstrated against a proposed law that critics claim would give law enforcement officers a "license to kill."

Video from the French capital showed police firing tear gas and chasing demonstrators as the streets filled with smoke, with protesters attempting to kick smoking canisters back toward officers.

Protesters carried signs reading "The people are not a target," "Justice for victims of police violence," and "No to the firearms permit."

The demonstrations erupted over a new bill that would alter the legal procedures for when a police officer shoots someone. Under the proposed legislation, the authorities would start from the assumption that the officer used their weapon legally. That assumption could still be challenged if evidence showed otherwise.

Supporters of the bill argue that officers should not automatically be treated as suspects for firing their weapons while on the job.

Critics, however, claim that the change would effectively shift the burden of proof and make it harder to hold police accountable after shootings. Activists and rights groups have branded the measure a "license to kill," saying it could "prepare the ground for blood and tears."

Protests were held in more than 20 cities. Police said around 4,500 people demonstrated in Lyon and 3,700 in Toulouse. In Rennes, eight people were arrested and three police officers were injured after projectiles were thrown.

Rights groups called the weekend protests to pressure senators ahead of a debate they expect in October. A petition opposing the measure has drawn more than 730,000 signatures but has been dismissed by the parliamentary law committee.

The bill passed its first reading in the National Assembly, France’s lower house, in July, but no specific date for consideration in the Senate has yet been set.