The UN rights office called on France to tackle the ‘deep issues’ of racism in the police

In a statement released in Geneva on Friday, OHCHR Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani expressed concern over the death of 17-year-old Nahel M on Tuesday, after he was shot dead while driving away from a traffic stop in the Parisian district of Nanterre.

According to news reports, at least 875 people were arrested in major cities around the country on Wednesday night, after about 40,000 police officers were sent to quell protests and debate over the killing.

President Emmanuel Macron has urged parents to keep their children off the streets, while in Paris, shots have been fired and cars have been set on fire, despite a heavy police presence.

Voluntary execution charge

The officer who shot the teenager has apologized to the family and has been charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Ms. Shamdasani noted that an investigation has been initiated into voluntary manslaughter.

“This is a time for the country to specifically address the deep issues of racism and discrimination in law enforcement“, he said.

Power consumption

“We too emphasized the importance of peaceful assembly. We call on the authorities to ensure the use of force by the police to deal with violent elements in demonstrations Always respect the principles of law, utility, measure, discretion, caution and accountability..

He called for any allegations of improper use of force by people exercising their rights to protest, to be investigated urgently.

According to the latest figures released by the French police regulator, there were 37 deaths during police operations recorded in 2021, of which ten were shot dead.