After the death of young Nahel, 17 years old, killed by a police officer on June 27, the UN felt that it was time to tackle in France "the deep problems of racism and discrimination" within the police.
Tuesday, June 27 in Nanterre a policeman used his weapon during a vehicle check and killed the driver after refusing to comply. An investigation was opened for intentional homicide. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said it was " concerned " by the conditions of the death of the young man.
" We are concerned by the murder of a 17 year old young man of North African descent by the police in France last Tuesday. We note that an investigation has been opened into allegations of intentional homicide. Now is the time for the country to seriously address the deep-seated issues of racism and discrimination in the context of policing.
We would also like to emphasize the importance of respecting the right to peaceful assembly. We call on the authorities to ensure that the use of force by the police to counter violent elements during demonstrations always respects the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, non-discrimination, precaution and responsibility. Any allegation of disproportionate use of force must be promptly investigated, ” said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Human Rights, on Friday 30 June, during a press briefing.
Comments