For weeks now, protesters in France have been demonstrating against a new security law that would restrict sharing images of police.

What is the proposed bill?
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Article 24 of the proposed bill would make it an offence to show the face or identity of an officer on duty “with the aim of damaging their physical or psychological integrity.”

It would carry a maximum prison sentence of up to one year and a maximum fine of 45,000 euros.

The legislation is pending in the French parliament.

Why are people protesting?
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Demonstrators say the bill undermines press freedom at a time when French police are under fire for their treatment of music producer Michel Zecler, who was kicked and punched at his Paris apartment last month by three white policemen. The incident was captured on CCTV.

The bill has also been condemned by human rights NGOs and in certain quarters of the EU and the UN, according to reports.

What does the French government say about the bill?
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The government says it is needed to protect police from online incitement for violence.

What has President Emmanuel Macron said about the protests?
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Macron’s ruling party have announced that part of the law would be rewritten. But that was not enough to stop nearly 100 rallies across the country on December 5.

What happened on December 5?
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Police fired tear gas after some protesters smashed windows and set vehicles alight. Video seen here filmed in Paris on December 5 shows violent scenes, with police using tear gas and water cannon.

This footage was filmed and produced 5 December 2020.
On December 5th a protest against the Global Security Law proposed by the French government in Paris turned out violent. Police fired tear gas and used water cannon, some cars were burned and a bank was destroyed. It started from Porte des Lilas and ended in Place de République

It started out peacefully, but police blocking protesters in the beginning caused a conflict between police and protesters.

On last Monday lawmakers announced that they would proceed a complete rewriting of the provision that restricts the filming of police officers following weeks of protests.

The 'Global Security' bill's Article 24, approved by the French National Assembly on November 27, makes it illegal to disseminate images in which police officers can be personally identified, among other things. The law has been heavily criticized by activists and journalists who say it violates freedom of the press.​

Location: Paris, France