The Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan has called for the establishment of an independent international investigation commission to investigate reports of police brutality against children and peaceful demonstrators in France.
Modern.az reports that this call was included in the parliament's statement regarding the mass protests and riots that took place in France in September-October 2026.
The statement said that the protests, which began against the background of the state of the education system, rising living costs and social problems, spread to various cities of the country on October 17. The document noted that 550,000 people participated in the demonstrations on that day, and about 2,400 people were arrested.
The Milli Majlis expressed its concern about reports of the use of force against minors in particular. The statement emphasized the importance of an independent and transparent investigation into the incidents that resulted in a 15-year-old teenager losing his hand in Lens and a 17-year-old girl losing sight in one eye in Mulhouse.
The parliament called on France to prevent the disproportionate use of force against children and peaceful demonstrators, to thoroughly investigate incidents resulting in serious injuries, and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. It also demanded the protection of the rights of those arrested, especially minors, and respect for the freedom of peaceful assembly.
The document also drew attention to the situation in France's overseas territories. The imposition of a curfew after riots in Guadeloupe, and reports of the rights of the local Kanak population and excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies in New Caledonia were cited as worrying cases.
The Milli Majlis assessed the events as an indicator of the French government's deep political and governance crisis, stating that the issue of political responsibility for the events should not be overlooked.
The statement accused the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of silence and a selective approach to human rights in relation to the events in France.
The parliament called on the UN Human Rights Council to establish an independent international investigation commission, and on the French parliament, international parliamentary organizations and human rights institutions to support such an investigation.
