Thousands of French police protest working conditions
Thousands of French police officers have taken to the streets of the capital, Paris, and a number of other cities in protest against unsafe working conditions.
On Wednesday, the police officers gathered at the capital’s Place Vendome square, which is home to the Ministry of Justice, to demonstrate against the lack of resources and insufficient support from the country’s judiciary.
"There has been a breakdown between police and the justice system," Angelo Bruno, with the Unite-SGP police union said.
Police union representative, Gregory Goupil, said French officers, who are protesting against a series of decisions to let criminals out of jail or free suspects from custody, are angry about the situation.
Protesters also gathered in the city of Bordeaux.
The demonstrations come days after an officer was critically wounded by a convict in a shootout which also resulted in the death of the convict.
French President Francois Hollande has said he will meet with police unions next week.
During a speech following the protest, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls also promised to simplify justice procedures and increase prison sentences for those convicted of weapons charges.
The protest is the first of its kind since 1983, when police officers held protests against the justice ministry's laxity following the killing of two police forces by gangsters.
French MP calls for inquiry into Paris arms transfers to Israel
Macron warns Beijing of tariffs in bid for EU-China trade deal
EU targeting platforms that refuse to ‘censor free speech’: Telegram CEO
Iran vows ‘harsh response’ to any aggression
Russia warns of response to Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's residence
Iran sets decade-long plan to raise oilseed self-sufficiency
VIDEO | Historic monuments of India’s heritage capital crumbling under chronic neglect
China rejects Israel’s recognition of Somaliland
VIDEO | Winter deepens the suffering of displaced families in northern West Bank camps
Russia says Ukraine tried to attack Putin's residence with 91 drones
Palestine Action hunger striker Heba Muraisi losing ability to speak
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
