Harsh police intervention during peaceful Paris demonstration sparks outcry

By Esra Taskin

PARIS (AA) - The forceful response by law enforcement to a peaceful demonstration against police violence in Paris ignited condemnation Saturday from various figures, including politicians and trade unionists.

The demonstration, organized in memory of Adama Traore, a Black French citizen of Malian descent who died in police custody in July 2016 after being restrained and apprehended, also drew a crowd in solidarity with Nael M., who was killed last month in a suburb of Paris.

But the peaceful nature of the protest was disrupted by police intervention.

French lawmaker Mathilde Panot voiced her concerns on Twitter, highlighting the mistreatment of Traore's brother, Youssouf, who was forcibly subdued Saturday at the rally and placed face down on the ground.

Panot questioned the government's motive behind the provocative actions, expressing her dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron and his administration, whom she deemed “irresponsible.”

She demanded Traore’s immediate release.

Sophie Binet, the general secretary of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), also expressed on Twitter her shock at footage showing police apprehending demonstrators.

Binet raised a question: “How to justify such violence during a peaceful demonstration?”

She advocated for the restructuring of the police force.

Protests unfolded in Paris as demonstrators voiced opposition to police violence.

Two people were detained during the demonstration as police resorted to physical force against protesters who refused to disperse.

Police also intervened against media personnel who attempted to capture images of the scene.

Images on social media captured the moment when Traore was transported from the police station to a hospital on a stretcher.

Traore’s death in 2016 triggered riots and protests against police brutality.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan