Paris: Europe and the Arabs
Following the riots and clashes that took place between the French police and the demonstrators following the death of a young man of foreign origin, Paris faced criticism against the backdrop of actions with an urban background. The country, and France objects to these statements, which it considers exaggerated, and regrets ignoring the unjustified acts of violence committed in recent days against security forces, officials, public services, police departments, schools, and social centers, as well as against municipal headquarters and many properties. According to the Middle East News Agency.
In a statement published today, the Foreign Ministry said that France expresses its lack of understanding towards the lack of solidarity and sympathy with the elected officials or representatives of French institutions who were subjected to attacks and who are essential actors in French democratic life, as well as the lack of solidarity regarding the injury of 800 police, gendarmerie and firefighters.
And the French Foreign Ministry stressed - in its statement - that any accusation of the security forces in France of racism or the practice of systematic discrimination is baseless, noting that France recalls above all that it is a state of law and respects its international obligations, especially the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, where it made a presentation. Documented by this commission in November 2022, France also considers the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination a political priority, defined in its National Plan to Combat Racism, Anti-Semitism and Descent Discrimination, a plan presented by the Prime Minister on January 30, 2023.
The Foreign Ministry also confirmed that any action of racial profiling by the security forces is prohibited in France, because it contradicts the constitutional principle of equality, and any discriminatory behavior is followed up and reported, and when proven, an administrative or judicial penalty is imposed.
Contrary to CERD's assertions, impunity is not tolerated. The police officer accused of firing the fatal shot was immediately brought to justice and charged with first degree murder.
France's security forces are subject to a level of internal, external and judicial oversight that is less than in other countries, and France and its security forces combat all aspects of racism and discrimination. Our commitment cannot be doubted, according to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The use of force by the security forces and the national gendarmerie is based on the principles of strict necessity and proportionality and is subject to strict oversight and control.
In the face of cases and acts of extreme violence, justice continues its work to establish the truth and determine responsibility, and France calls on the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to show more moderation in its statements, according to the statement of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.