A police killing caught on video has sparked protests and rioting in France, highlighting long-standing tensions over law enforcement’s treatment of minorities. These events bear similarities to the racial reckoning in the United States following the killings of George Floyd and other people of color.
While France and the U.S. have different cultures, police forces, and communities, the shooting in France and the resulting outcry demonstrate that systemic racism and police brutality are not unique to the U.S. Tracy Ladji, an activist with SOS Racisme, points out that individuals with foreign roots in France face discrimination based on the color of their skin, despite being born in the country.
French newspaper Le Monde recently published an editorial drawing parallels between the events in France and George Floyd’s killing in the U.S. The French teen, identified as Nahel, was shot during a traffic stop in a Paris suburb. Video footage shows an officer firing through the windshield as Nahel attempted to flee. The rioting that ensued has led to hundreds of arrests.
The French officer involved in the shooting has been charged with voluntary homicide. However, the backlash persists as protesters demand justice. Though the race of the officer has not been disclosed, Nahel’s mother believes her son’s Arab appearance played a role in the officer’s actions.
Police shootings are less common in France compared to the U.S., but their frequency has increased since 2017. Some attribute this rise to a law that loosened restrictions on officers using lethal force against drivers following terrorist attacks involving vehicles.
Unlike the U.S., France does not collect data on race and ethnicity, promoting a doctrine of colorblind universalism. Critics argue that this approach has masked generations of systemic racism.
Video evidence played a significant role in swiftly condemning Nahel’s killing, even before charges were filed. French President Emmanuel Macron called the shooting “inexcusable.” This differs from previous incidents where unrest occurred without video evidence. Police training in France lasts for 10 months, relatively longer than in many U.S. cities, but experts question whether French officers receive training equivalent to the implicit bias training required in the U.S.
France, along with other European countries, has a growing population with African, Arab, and Asian backgrounds. Stacie Keesee, co-founder of the Center for Policing Equity, suggests that the lack of relevant training for French officers may be due to the discomfort of addressing the country’s colonial past and its racial implications.
It is important to note that the actions of one officer should not be used to judge all of French law enforcement. The arrest of the officer sends a message about the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
In conclusion, the recent events in France serve as a reminder that systemic racism and police brutality are global issues. The protests and demands for justice in France echo the movements in the U.S., emphasizing the need for accountability and equality in law enforcement worldwide.
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