French Police Push Parliament to Pass Law Guaranteeing Jail Time for Killing an Officer
French police held a demonstration on Wednesday outside parliament to press for a law that would put those who kill officers behind bars, the Associated Press reported.
Police want more than promises from French President Emmanuel Macron, who is expected to run for re-election in 2022. He has put security high on his agenda, but police want a guaranteed 30-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of killing an officer.
Police also are calling for a law that guarantees jail time for those who assault them, and they want a justice system that punishes the small-time offenders they arrest and re-arrest after courts set them free.
Two officers were killed in recent weeks, and after regular encounters with people who throw objects and fireworks at them, the police are angry.
For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below.
Polls show support for the police, but some criticize it and cite occurrences of police brutality and systemic racism.
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.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin showed up at the start, squeezing through a packed crowd of hundreds waving labor union flags. Representatives from the far-right National Rally and a multitude of other parties were expected to attend. The politicians clearly hope to send a message that security matters and police officers, a considerable voting pool, are their friends.
"You must help us, Mister Minister," an officer said with emotion to Darmanin.
"Every morning when I awake, every night when I sleep, I think of you," Darmanin said, adding that his presence at the protest was "normal" given his role as France's top cop.
Police unions gave notice ahead of the rally that politicians would not be allowed to make speeches.
"No one will confiscate the words of police or citizens," said a statement by 10 unions holding the demonstration.
"Paid to Serve, Not to Die" read a giant banner in front of the National Assembly, the lower chamber of parliament.
Officers reject what they label as "police bashing" that undermines their work.
Darmanin's presence at Wednesday's protest triggered a deluge of criticism. The hardline interior minister has made chasing down neighborhood drug dealers a priority.
