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Protesters in Paris have clashed with police as thousands of people demonstrated in France against a proposed new law that would ban the filming of police officers.
The demonstrations, in numerous places across the country, took on additional significance as they occurred hours after President Emmanuel Macron said. Images showing Paris police attacking a black man it was “unacceptable” and “embarrassing”.
Saturday’s protests were planned before the footage was released, but Sky’s Michelle Clifford said the video has gone viral in France and fueled the size of the protests.
She said: “Very angry scenes in the streets. Explosive grenades are thrown. Many people are extremely angry with the proposed legislation and what they will say is another example of what they will call police brutality.”
On Saturday night, Clifford said that Paris police officers were “reacting very strongly” against the protesters and “many buildings are on fire.”
“More and more tear gas is arriving,” he said at the scene.
The footage showed police officers attacking protesters, with a man being dragged away by officers while on the ground.
More photos were posted on social media. showing police officers beating protesters at the dismantling of a migrant camp in the capital this week.
A fire is seen during a demonstration against the ‘Global Security Bill’
The protesters set furniture on fire and clashed with the police as they tried to block access to certain roads.
In Lille, Rennes, Strasbourg and other cities, thousands more took to the streets.
People participated in dozens of demonstrations against the legislation that would criminalize the publication of photographs or videos of a police officer on duty with the intention of damaging their “physical or psychological integrity”.
Civil liberties groups and journalists have reacted with concern that the measures will prevent police brutality from coming to light.
Protesters march in Paris during a rally against the ‘global security’ bill
In Paris, several thousand people gathered at the Place de la République, many of whom were carrying posters denouncing police violence and calling for the resignation of Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.
Tear gas was fired after some masked protesters set off fireworks and threw stones.
Some in the crowd, who were concerned about the impact the laws could have, had personal experience of what they said was unacceptable treatment at the hands of the police.
Protesters hold up signs reading ‘Ministry of Shame’ and ‘Powerful people above the laws’ on the Place de la Republique
Kenza Berkane, who is French and of North African origin, described how police stopped him on the subway while allowing his white friends to continue.
“It is impunity that makes us so angry,” said the 26-year-old. “We wonder when is this going to end?”
It comes after an investigation was launched into the violent arrest of Michel Zecler, a music producer who says he was racially abused by officers on Saturday.
The incident was captured on CCTV and mobile footage and widely publicized.
Under the new law, it is possible that some of those who filmed the incidents or republished them could have gotten into trouble.
