The Geneva Centre expresses its deep dismay at the incident that took place on 27 June 2023 in Nanterre, France, where a young French teenager aged 17 with an immigrant background died after being shot by a police officer during a roadside check. The shocking images circulated on social networks show that it is imperative for the French state to thoroughly reform police practices in France in order to distance them from the criminal acts that tarnish their reputation.
We denounce any tendency on the part of the French police to turn towards extremism, making people of immigrant background prime targets by exposing them to multiple acts of violence. The case of young Nahel is just one example of the police’s alleged excesses and the Geneva Centre understands the reaction of French youth to this event. It calls on the French state to put an end to practices that may be interpreted as racist and to fully respect the fundamental rights of all residents of France without distinction.
We call on the public authorities to implement all concrete measures to thoroughly reform the police system, focusing on training, raising awareness of cultural diversity and respect for human rights. It is also imperative to promote a culture of accountability and transparency within the forces of law and order to restore public confidence.
We urge the public authorities to open the way to dialogue, mutual understanding and non-violence and to guarantee the protection and dignity of all citizens. It is time to restore trust between the police and the public by fostering relations based on respect for fundamental rights and equality before the law.
Finally, we offer our condolences to the victim’s family, call for the elimination of any use of excessive force or violence and for the protection of public and private property.