Target: Laurent Nuñez, Interior Minister for France
Goal: Prohibit deployment of explosive munitions during protests.
Protests in France have reportedly turned violent. Looting, burning buildings, ransacked property, and scores of injured people have become emblematic of mounting public frustrations. The rising cost of living, a lack of school funding, and teacher shortages are just some of the issues that have united communities across the country.
The precedent for these wide-scale protests, the Yellow Vest movement of 2018, was also marred by violence. Protesters even allegedly lost limbs when police used blast balls for deterrence, which are essentially grenades that do not kill but that can inflict massive bodily damage. During the latest protest, a 14-year-old allegedly had a grenade fired at his face at close range, resulting in significant loss of teeth. Another teenager reportedly lost a hand after contact with a grenade. France stands alone as the only European country that has not prohibited police use of these dangerous explosives.
Sign the petition below to demand an immediate cease and desist to this horrific weaponry against civilians.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Nuñez,
Lost teeth, lost limbs — and how long will it before lost lives are added to the tally of explosive munitions deployments against protesters? These destructive weapons have been banned across European policing for a reason. They do not deter. They do not ‘teach a lesson.” Instead, they throw fuel on dangerously escalating fires.
Your authorization of stun grenades during these highly volatile protests will inflame tensions and will lead to continued allegations of police brutality. Do not repeat mistakes made during the Yellow Vest Protests of 2018. Chart a different course. Join the rest of Europe and say ‘no more’ to explosive munitions used against civilian populations. Listen to the grievances of the communities driven by desperation and hopelessness. Then, extend a helping hand rather than a crushing fist.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Olivier Ortelpa
