French police officers face trial over beating of black man not wearing mask during Covid
Summary
Three French police officers face trial over the 2020 beating of music producer Michel Zecler in Paris. Security-camera footage contradicted their account of the incident; the officers are also charged with falsifying an official report, and deny using racist insults.Key Facts
- Police stopped Zecler outside his Paris studio on 21 November 2020, saying he was not wearing a required mask and suspecting cannabis use.
- Security-camera footage showed officers pushing Zecler into his office entrance and beating him.
- Investigators said Zecler was struck about 30 times over five minutes; his injuries left him unable to work for 45 days.
- The three officers face charges of group violence and falsifying an official report. They could receive up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
- France’s human rights ombudswoman said four witnesses reported that officers used racist insults; the officers denied it, and racism was not included in the indictment.
- Zecler said he continues to have nightmares and has a titanium anchor in his arm after his biceps tendon ruptured.
- A report by France’s rights ombudswoman said young men perceived as Arab, Black, or North African were four times more likely to be stopped by police and 12 times more likely to face measures such as a frisk.
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