The Celtic League has registered its concern with the French Embassy in London about the monitoring of procedures for ensuring that those detained at police stations in France are not abused.

The issue has been in focus since allegations were made that a Breton youth detained for daubing nationalist graffiti was verbally abused by police. The League cite earlier criticisms by the United Nations Committee Against Torture and say recommendations that cameras should be installed in police stations should be actioned (See below):

The Ambassador
Embassy of France
58 Knightsbridge
London SW1X 7JT
United Kingdom

11/05/10

Dear Ambassador,

I write to express our concern at reports that a youth, detained briefly for daubing nationalist graffiti in the town of Le Mans in Sarthe (Pays de la Loire Region) was subjected to verbal abuse by police.

Whilst we cannot comment at this stage on the veracity of these reports we are concerned that the treatment of those detained by police and at police stations in France has previously been the subject of complaint by international rights bodies.

Specifically I draw your attention to the comments of the United Nations Committee Against Torture and its recommendation that cameras should be installed in all police stations where persons are held in custody (for reference full text and link below).

In view of the questionable reputation of the French police can I ask if these recommendations are being addressed?

(voir le site)

Article 2

3. With regard to the audio-visual recording of adults under police custody (para. 69), please indicate whether cameras have been installed in all police stations where persons are held in custody, or whether the State party intends to do so. If so, please indicate the timetable for such installations. In places where cameras have already been installed, please indicate the measures taken to ensure their proper functioning and the availability of recordings in the event of complaints alleging mistreatment by the police. Please also indicate what exceptions to compulsory audio-visual recording (para. 71) are permitted and the ratio legis of such exceptions. If such cases arise, please indicate the measures taken to protect persons in police custody from the risk of torture or degrading treatment."

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League

Related link here:

(voir le site)

Also on the ABP site here – scroll down:

(voir le site)