European Court of Human Rights holds France responsible for death of environmental activist

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found France responsible for the death of environmental activist Rémi Fraisse, ruling that his death violated Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which safeguards the right to life.

Fraisse, 21, was killed by an offensive grenade during a law enforcement operation at the Sivens site in southwestern France in October 2014, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

The incident occurred during violent clashes between anti-dam protesters and mobile gendarmes, who were deployed to control the demonstration. The court noted that the legal framework surrounding the use of force was unclear, leaving authorities without proper guidance. While the grenade used in the operation was legally authorised, the court described its use as “exceptionally dangerous” and criticised the lack of specific regulations governing its deployment. It emphasised that the absence of clear guidelines meant there was no assurance that force would be applied gradually or proportionally. 

As a result, the court concluded that France's legal and administrative oversight was insufficient to protect against the risk of lethal force, thus violating Fraisse’s right to life.

Following the ruling, France has been ordered to pay 37,600 euros ($39,042) in compensation to Fraisse’s family, along with 13,100 euros ($13,602) in legal fees. 

Jean-Pierre Fraisse, the father of the deceased activist, expressed his disappointment in the French government. 

“The government officials who gave the orders are responsible for Rémi’s death. Unfortunately, France once again failed to handle this situation honorably,” he said.

Claire Dujardin, the lawyer representing Fraisse’s mother, sister, and grandmother, praised the historic ruling. “This is the first-ever ECHR ruling condemning authorities for a law enforcement operation. It confirms what Rémi’s family has been saying from the beginning: his death was not normal; it was unacceptable,” Dujardin remarked. 

Dujardin also underscored the broader implications of the decision. “This ruling is not only important for the Fraisse family but also for all environmental activists. It sends a clear message to authorities that they must act more cautiously to avoid similar tragedies in the future.” 

The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about the use of force by law enforcement in public demonstrations, particularly in relation to environmental protests. It serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for accountability and justice in the context of state-led violence.

By Naila Huseynova