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The French National Assembly has voted tonight the most controversial article of the bill called “universal security”, which restricts the transmission of images of police officers on duty, after receiving guarantees from the government that the “right to information” would be guaranteed.
This provision is considered by the media and human rights organizations as a possible obstacle to free information. Demonstrations against this “killer of freedoms” took place in many cities in France.
Journalists’ associations have complained that the measure will apply not only to the media, but to any citizen who photographs or videotapes a police operation.
“The balance between freedom of information and protection of law enforcement is being reaffirmed,” Interior Minister Geral Darmanen said during a stormy parliamentary session.
The Government modified the controversial article, which penalizes those who distribute “image or any other identifying element” of the police officers on duty with one year in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros if their “physical or mental integrity is threatened.”
The amendment, approved by 146 votes to 24, clarifies that this measure “cannot harm the right to information” and that malicious intent against the forces of order must be “evident”.
Deputies from the left and some deputies from the center-right MoDem party, allies of the presidential majority, called for the total abolition of the article.
The new law provides for measures to meet the demands of police unions, who are protesting against increasingly frequent threats and attacks.
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