French riot officers go on trial accused of beating gilets jaunes protesters

"Nine officers from the French riot police have gone on trial in Paris accused of beating peaceful protesters who were sheltering from teargas during the gilets jaunes (yellow vests) anti-government demonstrations in 2018. The case at Paris's criminal court is one of the biggest trials over alleged police violence during the unrest in 2018 and 2019, when hundreds of thousands of protesters in fluorescent jackets took to the streets over rising fuel taxes in what morphed into broader anti-government protests against the president, Emmanuel Macron."

"The Paris public prosecutor had requested a criminal trial, noting that some riot police officers armed with batons and shields had repeatedly struck non-hostile demonstrators who were on the ground or trying to come out with their hands raised. The officers are charged with aggravated intentional violence by a person holding public authority. If found guilty they face up to seven years in prison and a 100,000 (87,000) fine."

"The Burger King was closed but protesters had forced its doors as they struggled for breath. The court heard that riot police received an order to evacuate the Burger King as fast as possible. Video evidence shown in court indicated some people put their hands up immediately when police entered to show they were not hostile. But officers kicked or used batons to beat protesters on the body or head, some of whom were on the floor."

Nine riot police officers are on trial in Paris accused of beating peaceful protesters who sheltered from teargas during the 2018 gilets jaunes demonstrations. The case is among the largest over alleged police violence during the 2018–19 unrest that began over fuel taxes and became broader anti-government protests. The Paris prosecutor requested criminal charges after footage showed officers armed with batons and shields striking non-hostile demonstrators who were on the ground or emerging with hands raised. The officers face aggravated intentional violence charges and, if convicted, up to seven years’ imprisonment and a €100,000 fine. Video shown in court depicts officers entering a Burger King near the Arc de Triomphe and kicking or striking people sheltering inside.

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