Sebaihi says the bill reverses the burden of proof
Member and secretary of the National Assembly, Écologiste et Social group
“Elle crée une présomption de légitime défense qui inverse la charge de la preuve, fondement de notre système judiciaire. Cette proposition de loi ne protège ni les policiers [...] ni nos concitoyens qu’ils sont censés protéger.”
Source and context
Original text
About this source
Official National Assembly publication of Sebaihi’s July 7 question. She opposed the proposal, saying it reverses the burden of proof and would reinforce impunity rather than protect officers or the public.
Before the quotation
In a question to the interior minister, Sebaihi discussed deaths during police interventions and concerns expressed by oversight and human-rights bodies.
After the quotation
She said the measure would reinforce impunity and fear among young people, promoted the petition against it and asked the minister to withdraw the proposal.
How this statement is classified
Case context: Should France presume police and gendarmes acted lawfully when using firearms?
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
She expressly described the proposal as dangerous, said it would reinforce impunity and called for its withdrawal. That is explicit condemnation of the fixed reference point.
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Should France presume police and gendarmes acted lawfully when using firearms?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
More from this case
Read the full case“Ce ne sera plus à l’auteur du tir d’apporter la preuve qu’il a agi en état de légitime défense, mais à la victime de prouver que ce tir n’était pas conforme à la loi. La France deviendrait dès lors un pays où une mort par tir policier ne donnerait lieu à aucune enquête automatique.”Read statement
“Elle propose une présomption simple, renversable, loin des mensonges répétés depuis des jours. Il est de notre responsabilité de leur garantir un cadre juridique à la fois clair et protecteur.”Read statement
“Every potentially unlawful death involving law enforcement officials must be investigated through a prompt, thorough, effective, independent, impartial and transparent investigation. The duty to investigate every potentially unlawful killing rests with the State. It cannot be displaced, in law or in practice, by requiring victims or their families to rebut a legal presumption that the use of potentially lethal force was lawful before the facts have been independently established.”Read statement