Police Misconduct and Legal Consequences
Incident in Marseille
A Marseille police officer from a Specialized Field Brigade (BST) is facing legal action for alleged illegitimate and illegal violence. The officer was involved in a confrontation on July 9, 2020, during a check on hidden work in one of the poorest districts of Marseille. The officer allegedly used a telescopic baton, resulting in the construction worker sustaining fractures in his right forearm and left hand. Despite video evidence and expert testimony suggesting the injuries were caused by a baton, the officer denies any wrongdoing. The Marseille prosecutor's office has requested a fifteen-month suspended prison sentence and a three-year ban on carrying a weapon.
Incident in Cherbourg
In a separate case, a man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his involvement in urban violence in Cherbourg. This violence erupted following the death of a 19-year-old named Sulivan, who was fatally shot by police while attempting to flee a traffic stop. The unrest led to cars, trash cans, and a France Travail agency being set on fire, resulting in injuries to three police officers. The convicted individual, a 38-year-old homeless man of Chechen origin, was found guilty of destruction by dangerous means and aggravated violence.
Legal and Social Implications
These incidents highlight the complex relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The cases in both Marseille and Cherbourg raise questions about the use of force by police and the legal repercussions that follow. In Marseille, the court's decision, expected on September 6, will set a precedent for how similar cases might be handled in the future. Meanwhile, the Cherbourg incident underscores the potential for social unrest following police actions, emphasizing the need for accountability and community trust.
- In Marseille, the injured construction worker was diagnosed with a fracture of his right forearm and a fracture of his left hand. A forensic doctor determined that he would be unable to work for 45 days due to his injuries.
- The Marseille officer involved has 23 years of experience and denies holding a telescopic baton during the incident. However, video footage suggests otherwise, leading to a contentious court battle.
- In Cherbourg, the violence was a direct reaction to the police shooting of Sulivan, a 19-year-old who was trying to escape a traffic stop. The unrest saw several dozen people setting fire to cars, trash cans, and a local agency, resulting in injuries to three police officers.
