Off-Duty Police Officers Assaulted in Nice
In a shocking incident in the old town of Nice, two off-duty police officers were violently attacked by five individuals during the early hours of Friday. The assault occurred around 2 AM on Rue de la Préfecture, a popular area frequented by tourists. Eyewitness accounts and video footage shared on social media depict the brutal nature of the attack, where one officer was seen lying motionless on the ground while the other was repeatedly kicked and punched by the assailants.
The attack reportedly stemmed from a confrontation that escalated after one of the suspects made an inappropriate comment towards one of the female officers accompanying the two men. Another version suggests that the altercation began when the suspects attempted to offer cannabis to the officers, who declined and identified themselves as police. This led to the suspects returning with a group to confront the officers.
The violence of the incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with police unions expressing concerns over rising anti-police sentiment in France. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau shared the video on social media, emphasizing the need for justice against such acts of violence. The two officers were taken to Pasteur Hospital, where they were diagnosed with four days of incapacity for work (ITT).
Five Suspects Released Under Judicial Supervision
Following the attack, the five suspects, aged between 27 and 34, were apprehended by anti-crime squad officers shortly after the incident. They were brought before a court on Saturday, where the public prosecutor, Damien Martinelli, requested provisional detention. However, the judge decided to release the suspects under judicial supervision pending their trial, which is scheduled for Tuesday. This decision has sparked outrage among police unions, who argue that such leniency sends a troubling message regarding the treatment of violence against law enforcement.
The incident has reignited discussions about police safety and the growing trend of violence against officers in France. Union representatives have called for stronger measures to protect police personnel and address the underlying issues contributing to such attacks.
