Arabs Bear Brunt of French Police Racism: Report

By Hadi Yahmid, IOL Correspondent

PARIS, April 19, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – Racist acts by French police have dramatically risen in 2004, particularly against French citizens of Moroccan origin, according to a report by an independent French committee.

The National Committee for Police Practices said in its annual report, a copy of which was obtained by IslamOnline.net Monday, April 18, said it recorded 97 abuses of power by policemen against 70 in 2003.

The 529-page report expressed deep concerns, as the police misconduct has increased by 38 percent in just one year.

Most of the shameful incidents took place in districts densely populated by Moroccans among the age groups from 18 to 35, it said.

Violent action by policemen is driven by racist and ethnic motives, as they judge people by their appearance, complexion and names on IDs.

The harassment starts with checking IDs, followed by beating suspects, holding them in custody and unnecessarily using tear gas canisters.

Restrictions

The committee, which was established in 2000, recommended some legal restrictions to curb the spiraling police racism.

Tear gas canisters should be used only in self-defense, placing the police activities under close scrutiny by an independent commission that will report regularly to the appropriate authorities.

Amnesty International said on an April 6 report that the French government ministers, judges and senior police officers are allowing members of the police force to use excessive and sometimes lethal force against suspects of Arab and African origin.

In its report “France: The Search for Justice,” through 10 years of documenting and exposing cases, the leading human rights group has uncovered evidence of widespread failure of the judicial system to prosecute and punish human rights violations in the country.

The French Organization against Islamophobia (CCIF) said earlier this year that during the period from October 2003 to August 2004, 26 cases of verbal and physical assaults on Muslims, 28 cases of vandalism and attempted arson targeting mosques, and 11 cases of desecration of Muslim graves have been registered.

The CCIF also listed a considerable number of internet sites spreading anti-Muslim propaganda.

A recent report by the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF) said that Muslim minorities across Europe have been experiencing growing distrust, hostility and discrimination since the 9/11 attacks.