The organizers stated that between 15,000 and 20,000 demonstrators took part in the Paris march, which started from the Place de la Bastille to the Place de la Nation, under the slogan “Citizens with the police – stop insecurity, stop impunity”.
The Paris rally was held in parallel with coordinated protests in about 20 cities across France, including Marseille, Nice, Lille and Bordeaux, as well as several overseas territories.
Among the protesters was Cyril Benoit, regional secretary of the SNIPAT union (Independent Union of Employees of the Ministry of the Interior), which represents administrative, technical and scientific workers within the national police.
– We are not here to ask for a salary increase. We are here to look for staff and basic means to work – Benoit told Anadolu.
– In many police stations, we don’t even have basic conditions: proper toilets, showers, changing rooms, work clothes, and even functional printers. Our vehicles are worn out, and mobility is a serious problem. We are looking for recognition, respect and means to do our job properly – he added.
Benoit stated that the lack of personnel is reflected in both day and night shifts, with certain patrols being reduced due to the lack of police officers.
Union leaders claim that pressure on police forces has increased significantly in recent years, even though major events have required extraordinary police mobilization.
The protest also brought together activists who claim that police officers are facing growing hostility and legal uncertainty.
The director of the Nemesis Collective, Alice Cardier, said her group joined the protest to show solidarity with the police.
– Many police officers feel insecure, especially on the legal front. Some end up in prison just because they defended themselves – Cardier told Anadolu.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
