How does article 435-1 of the internal security code fuel protests?

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Article 435-1 Fuels Protests by Expanding Police Shooting Authority

Article 435-1 of France's internal security code, enacted in 2017, has become a focal point for protests due to its provision that extends the circumstances under which law enforcement officers can use their firearms. This article allows officers to shoot at suspects who refuse to comply with orders, a measure that demonstrators argue contributes to a perception of excessive police force and injustice. The recent nationwide protests, organised by left-wing groups including France Unbowed (LFI), specifically targeted this legal provision, highlighting its role in escalating tensions between the public and the police.
Expansion of Police Use of Force

The introduction of Article 435-1 in 2017 significantly broadened the conditions under which police officers in France are permitted to discharge their weapons. Prior to this, the use of lethal force was more narrowly defined, primarily for self-defence or defence of others against an imminent threat of death or serious injury. The new article, however, explicitly includes the scenario of a suspect's refusal to comply with police orders as a justification for shooting. This expansion has been interpreted by critics as an endorsement of a more aggressive policing approach, thereby increasing the likelihood of fatal encounters.
Triggering Incidents and Public Outcry

The protests were partly fuelled by specific incidents that have led to widespread public concern over police violence. One such incident, which occurred less than three months prior to the demonstrations, involved the point-blank killing of a youth by a police officer during a traffic check outside Paris. This event not only sparked over a week of rioting but also amplified existing grievances regarding police conduct. Demonstrators carried placards with messages such as "Stop state violence" and "The law kills," directly referencing the perceived injustices stemming from police actions and legal frameworks like Article 435-1.
Broader Context of Police Misconduct Allegations

Beyond the immediate trigger event, the protests reflect a broader unease concerning police misconduct and the legal protections afforded to officers. The IGPN, the internal affairs unit responsible for investigating police misconduct, released its annual report shortly before the demonstrations, detailing that 38 individuals died as a result of police actions in 2022. Of these, 22 were shot dead by officers, with 13 cases involving individuals who had refused to comply with police orders. This statistic underscores the relevance of Article 435-1 to fatal encounters and fuels the argument that the law enables deadly force in situations that might otherwise be resolved without lethal outcomes.
Political Mobilisation and Demands

The demonstrations were actively promoted by radical left-wing political groups, notably France Unbowed (LFI), which mobilised their supporters to voice opposition to police violence and specific legislation. The protesters' demands extended to calls for greater accountability and justice, as exemplified by individuals like Mohamed Leknoun, whose brother was killed in August 2022 after refusing police orders. Leknoun expressed his frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation into his brother's death, highlighting the personal toll of such incidents and the perceived systemic failures that Article 435-1 is seen to represent.

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How does article 435-1 of the internal security code fuel protests?

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