French lawmakers have officially backed new legislation regarding police shootings, a decision that has sparked significant backlash from critics who have characterized the measure as a “licence to kill.” This legislative move comes at a time when France is experiencing a notable increase in the number of fatal encounters involving law enforcement officers.
Official data highlights a concerning upward trend in police-involved fatalities. According to figures from the IGPN and IGGN, the agencies responsible for investigating police conduct in France, there were 69 individuals killed by police or gendarmerie officers in 2024. This represents a marked increase compared to previous years, with 49 deaths recorded in 2023 and 50 in 2022. Statistical analysis indicates that the frequency of fatal shootings by police in France is currently among the highest in Europe.
