France’s culture of violent policing means the battle for its streets is far from over
The article examines the historical and cultural roots of France's aggressive policing tactics during public protests. It contrasts the French model of state-authority enforcement with the public-consent model found in other European nations.
Why it matters
Understanding these policing philosophies provides context for the ongoing social unrest and human rights criticisms surrounding French protest management.
France’s approach to crowd management has drawn condemnation from human rights monitors and civil society groups such as Amnesty International and the Council of Europe./Getty Images France’s approach to crowd management has drawn condemnation from human rights monitors and civil society groups such as Amnesty International and the Council of Europe./Getty Images France Analysis France’s culture of violent policing means the battle for its streets is far from over Jon Henley in Paris French state places officers as agents of authority tasked with repressing, rather than managing, public dissent
Familiar images of teargas clouds drifting across Paris squares, police baton charges against masked protesters and terrified teenagers floored – and worse – by stun grenades have once again focused the world’s attention on France’s policing methods.
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