This Video Predates the Recent Protests in France
The Claim
A video shows French police officers dropping their handcuffs in protest.
Emerging story
As the protests in France continue, social media users shared a video that allegedly shows French police officers dropping their handcuffs in protest.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating video and found it to be misleading. The video dates back to 2020.
Response to the Controversial Chokehold Ban in France
After a conducting an advanced keyword search, Misbar’s team found that the video was shared on Twitter back in 2020. The video can be seen below.
In June 2020, France was rocked by widespread demonstrations in response to the Interior Minister Christophe Castaner’s ban on the controversial chokehold technique used by police officers. The video, that was captured during these protests, shows officers expressing their opposition to the tougher measures imposed on the police force.
The chokehold technique, also known as a neck restraint, is a tactic used by police officers to subdue suspects by applying pressure to their neck. While it is meant to be a non-lethal technique, it has been associated with numerous deaths in police custody, particularly in the United States.
The ban on the controversial chokehold technique and the suspension of officers suspected of misconduct was met with widespread opposition from police officers across France. Many officers felt that the ban would leave them with limited options in dealing with suspects who may pose a threat to public safety. Some officers also expressed concerns that they were being unfairly targeted and that the new measures could lead to a breakdown of trust between the police and the public.
French Nationwide Protests Against the Rise in Retirement Age
Nationwide protests in France have attracted over a million protesters, who took to the streets to demonstrate against the rise in the retirement age. The protest culminated in violent clashes with police in Paris and other cities.
The magnitude of the protest is similar to the one that took place in January, with several smaller walkouts and demonstrations taking place in between. Additional industrial action is scheduled for the upcoming week.
The reason for the protests is a new retirement age. The French government passed a new law last week without a vote to raise the retirement age for most workers from 62 to 64.
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