France's proposed police weapons law triggers rule‑of‑law backlash

A draft law championed by LR deputy Eric Pauget, approved by the French National Assembly on 7 July, would create a "presumption of legitimate use of weapons" whereby police and gendarmes are assumed to have acted lawfully when discharging firearms.

Left‑wing deputies, magistrates, human‑rights lawyers, Amnesty International France and NGOs such as Flagrant Déni warn the measure undermines constitutional and international standards, impedes urgent investigations, and could increase lethal force. Critics cite the removal of requirements for immediate investigations, custody, video evidence and seizure of vehicles. A petition against the bill has gathered over 650,000 signatures, and opponents are considering a referral to the Constitutional Council.