Paris police officers go on trial over 2020 beating of Black man
Summary
Three French police officers went on trial in Paris on November 9, 2026, over the 2020 beating of music producer Michel Zecler. Security-camera footage of the assault contradicted the officers’ account and fueled public scrutiny of police violence and racism in France.Key Facts
- Police stopped Zecler outside his Paris studio on November 21, 2020, over an alleged failure to wear a required COVID-19 mask and suspected cannabis use.
- The officers pushed Zecler into his office entrance and beat him; investigators cited about 30 punches and baton blows over roughly five minutes.
- Medical records described head and facial injuries, a lip and scalp wound, and a completely ruptured biceps tendon; Zecler could not work for 45 days.
- Officers Aurelien B., Pierre P. and Philippe T. face charges of group violence and falsifying an official report, and could receive prison sentences of up to 15 years.
- The officers said Zecler had attacked them and tried to take a baton, but security-camera footage released by French media contradicted their account.
- France’s ombudswoman said four witnesses reported racist insults during the assault; the officers denied the allegation, and it was not included in the indictment.
- Zecler, now 47, said he continues to have nightmares and has a titanium anchor in his arm after the tendon injury.
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