LDH podcast discusses rule of law violations

In an episode of the LDH podcast titled Voices and Rights, Nathalie Tehio, president of the LDH, addressed concerns about the erosion of the rule of law and restrictions on personal freedoms during youth-led protests in October 2026.

Casseur-payeur law criticized

Tehio criticized the "casseur-payeur" law, which she claims unfairly targets peaceful demonstrators by making them pay for the actions of others, and described it as having an anti-liberty nature that discourages public protest.

Unvoted government amendment

A government amendment, which was never formally voted on, proposed extending the reparation sanction to journalists without press credentials and members of independent observatories, including those affiliated with the LDH.

Operational Guide on Urban Violence implemented

Tehio highlighted the implementation of the Operational Guide on Urban Violence (Govu), a framework introduced in response to social unrest, which she argues restricts freedom of expression and makes it harder for people to protest peacefully.

LDH calls for removal of Govu

The LDH has launched a petition demanding the removal of the Operational Guide on Urban Violence, citing its negative impact on the rights of demonstrators and the lack of adequate protection against far-right attacks.

Lack of police intervention reported

Tehio noted that in cities like Montpellier, members of observatories have been physically attacked without police intervention, underscoring the lack of security for peaceful protesters.

Call for dialogue over repression

Tehio criticized the government's reliance on a repressive approach to handle the protests, arguing that dialogue and social negotiation would have been more effective, especially given the high number of arrests and detentions in recent weeks.