WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On November 13, Islamic terrorists conducted coordinated attacks in Paris, killing at least 132 people and wounding 368. The Islamic State assumed responsibility for the attacks.
In response, the French parliament passed a law that expanded the government’s emergency powers. The powers include imposition of house arrest without judicial rule, searches and seizures without a warrant and the blocking of websites deemed to promote terrorism.
“The French government should keep people safe and bring those responsible for the horrific attacks to justice, but it also has a duty to protect people’s freedom and rights,” Leghtas stated on Tuesday.
France has also stepped up military operations against Islamic State militants operating in Syria and Iraq following the Paris attacks.
“Parliament should ensure that the sweeping powers it has granted the government are used in the narrowest possible way and for the shortest possible time,” Leghtas suggested.
Human Rights Watch concluded that France should “carefully scrutinize” how these new powers are used, and make sure they remain temporary and not discriminatory in nature.
