French Riot Police Officers Face Trial Over Alleged Gilets Jaunes Protester Beatings
Nine officers from the French riot police, specifically the CRS division based in Chalon-sur-Saône, have gone on trial in Paris, accused of beating peaceful protesters during the Gilets Jaunes anti-government demonstrations in 2018. The case, being heard at Paris's criminal court, represents one of the most significant legal proceedings concerning alleged police violence from the unrest that spanned 2018 and 2019.
Allegations of Excessive Force During Chaotic Protests
The Paris public prosecutor has called for a criminal trial, asserting that the riot police officers, armed with batons and shields, repeatedly struck non-hostile demonstrators. These individuals were either on the ground or attempting to surrender with their hands raised. The officers are charged with aggravated intentional violence by a person holding public authority. If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison and fines of €100,000 (approximately £87,000).
The alleged incident occurred on December 1, 2018, near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Protesters and journalists had sought refuge in a closed Burger King to escape teargas, forcing the doors open to breathe. Riot police received orders to evacuate the premises quickly. Video evidence presented in court shows some people immediately raising their hands to indicate non-hostility, yet officers reportedly kicked and beat them on the body and head. One victim sustained 27 blows from six different officers, with screams of "We're going to die" heard during the assault.
Context of the Gilets Jaunes Movement and Police Defense
This event took place on the third Saturday of the Gilets Jaunes protests, which initially erupted over rising fuel taxes but evolved into broader anti-government sentiment against President Emmanuel Macron. That day saw over 5,000 demonstrators in Paris, with masked individuals vandalizing the Arc de Triomphe and engaging in violent clashes with police, resulting in 318 arrests and 263 injuries, including 23 police officers. Authorities described it as potentially the hardest day for maintaining order.
The accused officers are expected to argue that they operated under extreme stress and insurrectional conditions, having been targeted with projectiles by rioters for hours. Their defense lawyer, Laurent-Franck Liénard, emphasized the context, stating his clients faced hundreds of demonstrators with extraordinary levels of violence. In court, the officers initially appeared in uniform with badges and insignia but were ordered by the judge to remove them, returning in plain white shirts.
Broader Implications and Historical Precedents
This trial highlights ongoing scrutiny of police tactics during the Gilets Jaunes protests, which continued weekly for a year. Official figures indicate at least 2,500 protesters were wounded, with activists reporting 24 losing an eye and five losing a hand due to police weapons. Approximately 1,800 police officers also suffered injuries. The case, as noted by lawyer Arié Alimi, symbolizes a pivotal moment in the movement, illustrating what he calls the "brutalisation" of policing.
In a related precedent, a CRS officer received a two-month suspended sentence in December 2019 for wilful violence after being filmed throwing a paving stone at a protester. The current trial underscores the complex balance between maintaining public order and ensuring police accountability in times of civil unrest.
