Thousands of protesters across France have taken to the streets to oppose a new law that automatically assumes law enforcement officials acted legally when using their weapons. Critics say the bill essentially gives police a 'licence to kill' by removing accountability for use-of-force incidents. The demonstrations reflect growing concerns about police accountability and civilian safety.
What happened
Thousands of French protesters are rallying against a new law that they claim gives police a 'licence to kill' by automatically assuming officers acted legally when using force.
Why it matters
This French law creates a dangerous precedent that could inspire similar policies elsewhere, including India. If police get legal immunity for using force, it weakens accountability mechanisms that protect ordinary citizens from abuse. Understanding how other democracies handle police power helps Indians evaluate their own civil liberties protections.
Impact
French courts may face challenges to this law; international human rights bodies will likely scrutinize it; other countries may attempt similar legislation, creating pressure on India to either follow suit or strengthen its own accountability frameworks
‘Licence to kill:’ French protests decry police use-of-force bill
Thousands of protesters across France rallied against a new law they say will give police a “licence to kill”. It says that any law enforcement official who uses force is assumed to have acted legally when using their weapon. Al Jazeera’s Natacha Butler has more.
Read the full story at Al Jazeera.
For a society like ours which is used to ‘name-calling’ at will (deshdrohi, ‘urban naxal’ etc), it is very important to understand the value of clearly defining categories such as ‘crime’ or ‘offence’
The NTR Police Commissionerate on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) identified around 260 individuals who allegedly attempted to attack the Physical Education Teachers (PETs) at the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) office during the dharna organised by the YSRCP in Vijayawada on Monday (September 21). The dharna was held against the alleged malpractices and corruption in filling PET posts through the DSC. The protestors alleged that unqualified individuals and fake certificate holders managed to secure jobs in the DSC, while genuine sports persons and top achievers were denied opportunities. The police investigating the alleged attack have so far identified around 260 agitators, of whom 45 are rowdy sheeters, 71 are troublemakers, and 91 are protesters facing criminal cases. The police identified the protestors through CCTV and video footage and stated that eight MLCs, five former MLAs, three former ministers, and four mayors led the dharna against the PET recruitments. Police on Tuesday (September 22) arrested 12 persons who attempted to incite violence. Special teams have been dispatched to various locations to apprehend the remaining suspects. A thorough investigation is underway regarding the alleged attack on PETs at the SAAP office, the police said.
A brief spell of moderate rain disrupted vehicular movement across several parts of Hyderabad on Monday evening, causing waterlogging at multiple locations and slowing vehicles during peak traffic hours. The rain came as the city was already witnessing heavy traffic due to the final days of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, with several heavy vehicles transporting idols for immersion. Traffic movement was slow at several key junctions, including the Tolichowki flyover towards Nanal Nagar and Rethibowli, Chaderghat bridge towards Malakpet, Shaikpet flyover towards Tolichowki, Banjara Hills towards Panjagutta flyover, Prakash Nagar towards Rasoolpura and Panjagutta towards Khairatabad and further towards Lakdikapul and the Secretariat. Narayanguda, Moosarambagh and adjoining areas also reported slow traffic and waterlogging following the rainfall. Tree branches fell near the State Bank of India on Bank Street in Koti, adding to the disruptions. Traffic police personnel from the Hyderabad, Malkajgiri and Cyberabad commissionerates were deployed at major junctions to regulate traffic and facilitate movement. Disaster Response Force personnel from the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency were also seen clearing waterlogging. According to data from Telangana Development Planning Society, as of 9 p.m., Khairatabad recorded a rainfall of 32.8 mm followed by 28.5 mm in Allwyn Colony, 25.5 mm in Kukatpally, 25 mm in Kavadiguda, 23.5 mm in Adibatla, 23 mm in Moosapet, 22 mm in Amberpet, 22 mm in Borabanda, 21 mm in Moosarambagh, 19.8 mm in Musheerabad and 17.8 mm in Yousufguda.