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Nine officers from the French riot police have begun their trial in Paris, facing serious allegations of assaulting non-violent demonstrators during the “gilets jaunes” (yellow vests) protests in December 2018. This case marks a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of police conduct during the widespread civil unrest that gripped France in late 2018 and early 2019, centred around rising fuel taxes and broader discontent with President Emmanuel Macron’s administration.
The Allegations
The trial at the Paris criminal court has drawn considerable attention as it examines the actions of the nine officers from the CRS division, who are accused of using excessive force against peaceful protesters seeking refuge from tear gas. The alleged incidents occurred on 1 December 2018, when demonstrators gathered near the iconic Arc de Triomphe, leading to a chaotic confrontation with law enforcement.
The Paris public prosecutor’s office has put forth compelling evidence, claiming that some officers, equipped with batons and shields, “repeatedly struck non-hostile demonstrators” who were either on the ground or raising their hands in a gesture of surrender. The charges against these officers include aggravated intentional violence by a public authority figure, which could result in up to seven years in prison and a hefty fine of €100,000 (£87,000) if they are convicted.
A Day of Chaos
The court was presented with video evidence that showed the officers entering a Burger King, where non-violent protesters and journalists had sought shelter from the tear gas being deployed outside. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of panic as individuals put their hands up to signify their non-aggressive intentions. Nevertheless, the officers allegedly responded with violence, reportedly delivering a total of 27 blows to a single individual from a group of six officers.
On that day, the protests escalated dramatically, with over 5,000 demonstrators taking to the streets in Paris. The unrest included vandalism at the Arc de Triomphe, where masked individuals defaced the historic monument and engaged in violent confrontations with police. The authorities reported 318 arrests and 263 injuries, including 23 among law enforcement, marking it as one of the most challenging days for police during the protests.
Perspectives from the Ground
Testimonies from witnesses have painted a harrowing picture of the events that unfolded. Manon, a 35-year-old who sought refuge in the Burger King with her husband, recounted the relentless beatings, stating, “They hit and hit, it didn’t stop.” Meanwhile, Arié Alimi, representing victims of the alleged police violence, described the trial as a pivotal moment for the gilets jaunes movement, highlighting what he termed the “brutalisation” of policing.
Defence lawyer Laurent-Franck Liénard urged the court to consider the context, arguing that his clients faced an extraordinary level of violence from the protesters that day. The officers entered the courtroom in uniform, displaying their badges, but were instructed by the judge to remove them before proceeding in plain white shirts.
A Broader Context of Police Violence
The trial occurs against a backdrop of intense scrutiny regarding police tactics used during the gilets jaunes protests, which lasted for over a year and resulted in thousands of injuries among both demonstrators and police officers. Reports indicate that at least 2,500 protesters were injured, with some activists suffering life-altering injuries due to police weaponry. This trial, therefore, is not only about the actions of these nine officers but also reflects the larger issues surrounding police reform and accountability in France.
In December 2019, a CRS officer was handed a two-month suspended sentence for similar offences during the protests, indicating a growing recognition of the need to address police violence.
Why it Matters
This trial serves as a crucial litmus test for public trust in law enforcement and the ability of the justice system to hold its officers accountable for their actions. As France grapples with the legacy of the gilets jaunes protests, this case could either reinforce the call for reform or expose deeper systemic issues within the policing framework. The outcome may influence future demonstrations and the relationship between the French government and its citizens, showcasing the delicate balance between maintaining order and protecting civil liberties.
