Uproar in France over proposed limits on filming police

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By SYLVIE CORBET

PARIS (AP) — French activists fear that a proposed new security law will deprive them of a potent weapon against abuse — cellphone videos of police activity — threatening their efforts to document possible cases of police brutality, especially in impoverished immigrant neighborhoods.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s government is pushing a new security bill that makes it illegal to publish images of police officers with intent to cause them harm, amid other measures. Critics fear the new law could hurt press freedoms and make it more difficult for all citizens to report on police brutality.

“I was lucky enough to have videos that protect me,” said Michel Zecler, a Black music producer who was beaten up recently by several French police officers. Videos first published Thursday by French website Loopsider have been seen by over 14 million viewers, resulting in widespread outrage over police actions.

Two of the officers are in jail while they are investigated while two others, also under investigation, are out on bail.



FILE - In this Nov.21, 2020 file photo a demonstrator takes a picture of policemen during a protest against bill on police images, in Paris. As videos helped reveal many cases of police brutality, French civil rights activists voiced fears that a new security law would threaten efforts by people from minorities and poor neighborhoods to document incidents involving law enforcement officers. French President Emmanuel Macron's government is pushing a new security bill that would notably make it illegal to publish images of officers with intent to cause them harm. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-police-paris-france-police-brutality-5bd3fbcaa92dcd7658f5047d03d89f56

[lark]

1. Macron should be ashamed for even considering this, much less implementing it.

Damn, what a horrid law. SMH

[luvtheGWN]

2. Bad headline.

Filming and videotaping are NOT the same thing. One uses film, the other uses videotape.

As for allowing the publishing photos of officers, I'd have to say "Why not?" It would/should improve their behaviour and besides, their salaries are being paid by the public.

[LuvNewcastle]

3. I hope the French raise hell and keep this law

from passing. Video doesn't always tell the whole story, but it is often essential in proving police brutality and other crimes, since courts nearly always side with cops. As long as photographers aren't hindering the police in doing their job, cops should have no problem with their presence.

[Miguelito Loveless]

5. The police do not want their crimes recorded

since they may actually be held to account. This "law" needs to be rescinded immediately.

[rickford66]

4. I was in Paris in 1988 near the Arc de Triomphe

When I aimed my camera towards the guards marching I was deterred by an armed policeman. I got the message. At the time we saw police or army with automatic weapons at many buildings.