France must do more for victims of police ill-treatment
2 April 2009
Allegations of human rights violations by police officers in France include racist abuse, excessive use of force, beatings and unlawful killings. But cases arising from complaints of police ill-treatment are all too frequently closed without investigation.
Judges and prosecutors work with the police every day so they are inclined to believe their testimonies. Individuals who lodge a complaint often find themselves charged with defamation or insulting a police officer. Internal disciplinary investigations are not independent or impartial, meaning the odds are stacked against complainants.
Amnesty International has demanded action for a fairer system and called for the CNDS (Commission Nationale de Déontologie de la Sécurité) or the future Defender of Rights, if it takes on this role, to have the necessary powers to ensure fair and effective investigations.
Judges and prosecutors work with the police every day so they are inclined to believe their testimonies. Individuals who lodge a complaint often find themselves charged with defamation or insulting a police officer. Internal disciplinary investigations are not independent or impartial, meaning the odds are stacked against complainants.
Amnesty International has demanded action for a fairer system and called for the CNDS (Commission Nationale de Déontologie de la Sécurité) or the future Defender of Rights, if it takes on this role, to have the necessary powers to ensure fair and effective investigations.
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