Attack on French police will likely have massive repercussions

Nahla Abdelmonem

Terrorist groups have once more succeeded in infiltrating French police and launching an attack against it, despite the strict strategy followed by the French government against terrorist organizations.

The latest attack raises questions on whether it will induce a change in the way the French government treats Islamist groups. It also raises questions on whether this attack will change the way the French government deals with refugees.

Extremist killing policewoman

A 36-year-old Tunisian extremist attacked a police station in southern France on April 23 and stabbed a 48-year-old policewoman, before police gunned him down.

The policewoman then succumbed to her wounds. On April 25, French authorities said the assailant was an extremist who suffered mental disorders.

French authorities arrested other people suspected to be linked to the attack, including a cousin of the attacker.

French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the attack by vowing to maintain his country’s fight against terrorism.

He condoled with the family of the policewoman and her colleagues, considering the attack a terrorist one and asked French authorities to launch an inquiry into it.

Fighting terrorist groups

The attack and Macron’s comments also raised questions on whether France will speed up approval of the bill to strengthen respect for the principles of the republic. Religious centers across France expressed opposition to the bill.

The French National Assembly approved the bill on February 16, with an eye on addressing what the French president called separatist ideals.