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NGOs, Journalists Concerned French Bill Would Restrict Liberties

Nicolas Pinault

   PARIS - A controversial security bill that is drawing protests from
   journalists and rights groups has cleared the lower chamber of France's
   National Assembly.

   The so-called Global Security bill has sparked street protests and
   drawn angry criticism from media and rights groups that accuse the
   government of Emmanuel Macron of pushing illiberal measures akin to
   those of less developed democracies.

   The law aims to improve regulations for the use of drones and dash cams
   by security forces. It also creates new rules for private security
   companies and new prerogatives for local police. But to some human
   rights activists, parts of the text are concerning.

   Nicolas Krameyer, Amnesty International's France program manager, said
   it is concerning that the bill would enable vast surveillance against
   citizens, with police officers equipped with dash cams and the use of
   drones to monitor civilians during protests.

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