Two Paris Police Officers Face Legal Action for Assaulting Custody Victim
In a significant case drawing public attention, two police officers in Paris, Maxime D. and Matthieu D., are facing prosecution for violently assaulting a man in custody. The incident occurred during the night of July 25 to 26, 2023, at a police station in the 5th arrondissement. The prosecution has requested suspended prison sentences of 30 and 24 months respectively, alongside a permanent ban from working in the national police. The judgment is set to be delivered on January 15, 2024.
The victim, identified as Oskar F., a 42-year-old Peruvian national, was arrested for allegedly insulting a police officer. Videos of the assault circulated widely on social media, showing the officers delivering multiple blows to Oskar while he was in custody. The prosecution described the assault as aggravated violence, resulting in injuries that required more than eight days of recovery. The court heard that the first officer, Maxime D., initiated the violence by slapping the victim, leading to a series of further assaults, including baton strikes that caused a fracture in Oskar's arm.
Details of the Assault and Subsequent Legal Proceedings
The prosecution outlined the events in three distinct phases, starting with an unprovoked slap from Maxime D. while demanding Oskar's personal belongings. Following this, Oskar was subjected to several slaps and baton strikes in a search room, leading to significant injury. The second officer, Matthieu D., was accused of delivering violent punches and kicks to Oskar while he awaited medical attention, expressing that he lost his temper due to the victim's remarks.
Both officers have faced scrutiny for their actions, with Maxime D. also being prosecuted for a separate incident involving the inappropriate use of tear gas against a woman. The case has raised concerns about police conduct and accountability, particularly in light of the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The officers' behavior has been described as bringing
