In French police, conviction rhymes with promotion

The head of France's national police has proposed promoting two senior officials, despite their existing judicial convictions, a move that critics say reinforces the image of an institution operating above the law.

Frédéric Veaux, the director general of the National Police, put forward the promotions for François Thierry, the former head of the anti-narcotics unit (Stups), and Vincent Lafon, the central commissioner of Asnières-sur-Seine. Both men have faced legal repercussions for their actions.

Libération reports that this decision has sparked outrage, suggesting that the police leadership is prioritizing loyalty or internal dynamics over legal accountability. The publication frames the proposed promotions as a signal that certain individuals within the force are seemingly immune to the consequences of their convictions, thereby undermining public trust and the principle of equal justice.

The article implies a pattern within the institution where condemnation appears to be a precursor to advancement, rather than a deterrent. This situation raises questions about the internal disciplinary processes and the perceived impunity enjoyed by some within the French police force.