France Undermines Rule of Law by Extending State of Emergency

Human Rights Watch urged the French parliament to "carefully scrutinize the use of the emergency powers" in the months of the state of emergency ahead, including any allegations of misuse by authorities.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The decision by French lawmakers to extend the state of emergency in the country erodes the rule of law and the French government must implement measures to ensure the emergency powers are used only when absolutely necessary, Human Rights Watch said in a release on Friday.

"The decision by France’s parliament on July 21, 2016, to expand and prolong the country’s state of emergency for six months undermines human rights and the rule of law," the release stated. "The government should strengthen safeguards to ensure that the emergency powers are applied only to the extent strictly required."

Human Rights Watch also urged the French parliament to "carefully scrutinize the use of the emergency powers" in the months ahead, including any allegations of misuse by authorities.

The rights group underscored the importance of the country’s ombudsman to be able to evaluate compliance of the emergency measures with international law, investigate complaints and report them to parliament.

Moreover, the French government should ensure prompt access to remedies for damage or hardship caused by raids, house arrests and other emergency measures, the release noted.

"The authorities should also carry out meaningful outreach to targeted communities about the emergency powers and remedies," it added.

On Wednesday, France's upper house of parliament, the Senate, voted to extend the state of emergency in the country for another six months.

France has been on high alert since the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015. The state of emergency was due to expire on July 26.