French police authorised to use water cannon on asylum seekers in £660m deal with UK
French riot police, funded by a £660m deal with the UK, are authorized to use water cannons against asylum seekers in Calais. This has sparked criticism from refugee charities who argue that such tactics are prohibited in Great Britain and represent an escalation of state violence.
Why it matters
The report raises ethical and legal questions regarding the outsourcing of border control and the use of force against vulnerable populations.
Police use water cannon in Sandyknowes, Belfast, last week. Officers in Northern Ireland have access to six of the devices. Photograph: Hannah Al-Othman/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Police use water cannon in Sandyknowes, Belfast, last week. Officers in Northern Ireland have access to six of the devices. Photograph: Hannah Al-Othman/The Guardian Immigration and asylum French police authorised to use water cannon on asylum seekers in £660m deal with UK Refugee charity says decision to let riot police use water cannon, which are banned in Great Britain, is ‘sickening’
The framing emphasizes the 'sickening' nature of the tactics and highlights the perspective of refugee advocacy groups.
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