Landmark Verdict: France Penalized for Discriminatory Policing

The European Court of Human Rights has made a landmark ruling against France, citing discriminatory practices by its police force. The court found that Karim Touil, a Frenchman of African descent, was subject to three racially motivated identity checks in the span of ten days back in 2011, in Besancon.

France has been ordered to pay Touil 3,000 euros for breaching articles related to discrimination and the right to a private life under the European Human Rights Convention. However, for five other applicants, the court found insufficient evidence of discrimination, even as tensions surrounding their checks were recognized.

RECLAIM's Lanna Hollo, a rights advocate involved in the case for over a decade, expressed concern. She noted that the ruling, while a victory for Touil, might not sufficiently protect minorities, especially in France's underprivileged areas. The decision comes amid recent similar rulings against other European nations and findings of systemic racial profiling in France.

(With inputs from agencies.)