Petition surpasses 100,000 signatures opposing French bill on police use of firearms

Saturday 04 July 2026 - 11:45

By: Sahili Aya

Petition surpasses 100,000 signatures opposing French bill on police use of firearms

A petition opposing a proposed French law that would establish a legal presumption in favour of law enforcement officers when they use their firearms has exceeded 100,000 signatures, intensifying debate ahead of a parliamentary vote scheduled for next week.

The initiative reflects growing public concern over the proposed legislation, which supporters describe as a measure to provide legal certainty for police officers, while critics argue it could weaken judicial oversight and accountability.

Petition urges lawmakers to reject the bill

The petition calls on members of the French National Assembly to vote against the proposal, arguing that it would represent a significant shift in the legal framework governing police use of force.

Its supporters contend that the legislation could make it more difficult to scrutinise firearm incidents by introducing a presumption that officers acted within the law when using their weapons, unless evidence demonstrates otherwise.

The petition also argues that the proposal could conflict with principles established under the case law of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the use of force by state authorities.

Proposed legislation revised before debate

The bill, introduced by lawmakers from the conservative party The Republicans (LR), originally referred to a presumption of self-defence for police officers.

Following discussions within the government, the wording was amended to replace that formulation with a broader legal presumption that officers acted in accordance with the law when using their firearms.

Under the revised text, that presumption could still be challenged through contrary evidence presented during judicial proceedings.

Political divisions remain

The proposal has generated contrasting reactions across France's political spectrum.

Opponents argue that the measure risks shifting the burden of proof in cases involving police shootings and could undermine legal safeguards protecting citizens' rights.

Supporters, however, maintain that the reform is intended to strengthen legal protection for officers performing dangerous duties and does not amount to blanket immunity from prosecution.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has previously stated that the proposal should not be interpreted as granting immunity to members of the police or gendarmerie.

Parliamentary vote expected next week

The legislation, which was first debated earlier this year, is scheduled to return to the National Assembly on Tuesday.

The outcome is expected to be closely watched by law enforcement organisations, legal experts, civil society groups and human rights advocates as France continues to debate the balance between public security, police protection and judicial accountability.