Mme Jullien, however, denounced the use of the term “police violence”, saying it was not the “legally correct wording” and that most of the probes were focused on the possible “illegitimate and excessive use of force” by riot police during the demonstrations. The yellow vest protests – so-called because of the fluorescent safety jackets all French motorists must carry in their cars – began in mid-November over planned fuel tax hikes, but rapidly snowballed into a broader revolt against President Emmanuel Macron, widely perceived as arrogant and indifferent to the needs of ordinary citizens. The movement initially mobilised tens of thousands of demonstrators nationwide each Saturday, although it has since fizzled out to smaller numbers.
The protests were often marred by violent clashes between protesters and police, pushing the Macron government to introduce increasingly tough policing tactics.
Non-lethal weapons used during the yellow vest rallies include rubber bullets, tear gas canisters and stun grenades.
Rubber bullets and the flash-ball guns used to fire them have been the subject of heated debate in France.
Critics say they have caused severe injuries to dozens of protesters, including several who have been partially blinded after being struck in the head.
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Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has repeatedly rejected such claims, saying both rubber bullets and stun grenades were needed to control violent individuals who mingle among the yellow vests.
The Conseil d’État – the country’s top administrative court – also ruled earlier this year that the use of riot control guns was justified given the sustained threat of violence.
Earlier this year, the UN’s human rights chief Michelle Bachelet also expressed concern about reports of brutal policing tactics, calling for a “full investigation” into the excessive use of force by police during the anti-Macron protests, adding to criticism from European lawmakers and national human rights bodies.
M Macron announced in December a package worth more than £9billion (€10bn) to boost the income of the poorest workers and of pensioners in a bid to quell the unrest. He followed up in April with the plan to ease income tax from next year.
He has since pledged to press ahead with his ambitious reform programme, despite fears further reform could reignite popular anger.