Demonstrator hit in the face in Paris: the policeman denies having wanted to punch

This is a gesture for which an administrative investigation has been opened. In a video dated Monday March 20, a police officer punches a man in the face during a demonstration in Paris. In these images, which have gone viral, this protester falls to the ground, visibly stunned. These new facts of police violence led Laurent Nunez, the Paris police chief, to make a report, the gesture appearing to him “unsuitable”.

On BFM TVLaurent Nunez explained on Tuesday that the demonstrator struck in the face had opposed the arrest of another individual who had damaged a newsstand, visible on the right in the images. “It was within the framework of this maneuver that the blow was given”, he said. In the seconds preceding the punch, and as the video shows, the demonstrator is however in the process of retreating, when the policeman runs towards him for several meters to hit him, before turning around. “All investigations are underway to find out if this move was suitable”assures the prefect of Paris.

a member of the #BRAV just punched a protester #PensionReform #directAN #strike20mars #demonstration March 20 #Events #MacronDestitution #MotionDeCensureTransPartisane #Thick headed #Macron pic.twitter.com/PQPn4n6fuG

— Timothée Forget (@xztim_) March 20, 2023

According to the version of the facts of this policeman, of which France Télévisions was aware, he denies having wanted to give a punch. He says he has “dismissed” this protester “by opposing [son] arm to his body”. It also ensures that the individual has fallen “due to his alcoholic state”. The demonstrator on the ground did not present “no trace of injury” And “got up quickly”, according to information from France Télévisions. One last point that other videos seem to confirm.

>> Pensions: an investigation opened and entrusted to the IGPN after the broadcast of a video showing a policeman punching a protester

The police officer also evokes a context of strong tensions. At that time, the crowd is according to him “very unfriendly”calling out “anti-police chants”. While his colleagues handcuff an individual, several other demonstrators approach, behind the police. Among them, the man struck in the face, who according to the policeman seems “totally drunk”, “excited”and so “unpredictable”.

This peacekeeper is a member of the Brav-M, motorcycle intervention units that are the subject of much criticism. Three deputies from La France insoumise have also requested their dissolution from the Minister of the Interior. The police officer responsible for this punch had never been the subject of an investigation until now.