UN experts alarmed by farmers' arrests, growing criminalization of union movements in France

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The UN experts on Monday expressed deep concern over the increasing use of police custody and criminal proceedings against farmers and agricultural trade union leaders in France, following the arrest of 52 people during peaceful protests in Paris this month.

"We are alarmed by the apparent shift towards criminalising peaceful trade union activities,” the experts said. “Arresting national spokespersons and international peasant leaders for symbolic acts of civil disobedience is a disturbing signal that threatens the right of peasants to voice grievances without fear of intimidation or reprisals," experts said in a statement.

They warned that the government's response raises "serious" concerns over disproportionate restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including the rights to peaceful assembly, association, and expression.

"On 7 January, a group of farmers reportedly forced their way through police barricades with tractors, resulting in physical confrontations but no arrests. In contrast, the non-violent protests one week later resulted in mass arrests and the threat of criminal charges, they said.

Police arrested 52 people during a peaceful protest at the Ministry of Agriculture on Jan. 14, over government policies related to the "lumpy skin disease" outbreak, the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, and support for small-scale farming. Among those detained were three spokespersons of Confederation Paysanne and representatives of the international peasant movement La Via Campesina, the statement reminded.

"Authorities have an obligation to facilitate peaceful protest, not suppress it through the excessive use of police powers," the experts said. "The rapid escalation from tolerance to mass arrests — particularly targeting specific unions — appears unjustified and discriminatory."

They urged the government to engage in constructive dialogue with peasants and farmers as they are mobilizing to protect their livelihoods and demand participation in decisions that affect their survival, including sanitary policies and international trade deals, rather than "silencing them through detention."

The experts said they have been in contact with the French government regarding the allegations.