5 French police officers arrested over death of man during protests

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Website
8 Aug 2023 23:18

Mohamed Bendriss' death has been linked to Marseille police officers who have been suspected of shooting a lethal flash ball at the 27-year-old.

A riot policeman stands in front of a fire as striking prison guards demonstrate outside the Baumettes prison in Marseille, France, January 23, 2018. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat/APF)

Five police officers in Marseille have been taken into custody for questioning regarding the death of a 27-year-old man during the turmoil that unfolded in the French city on July 1, The Guardian reported.

The officers are part of the elite Raid (Research, assistance, intervention, dissuasion) tactical unit and were among a total of 20 members from this unit who were interrogated. The questioning pertains to the injuries sustained by Mohamed Bendriss, which occurred amid nationwide mass protests following the cold-blooded murder of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk by two police officers in Paris on June 27.

The public prosecutor has indicated that it is likely that Bendriss passed away due to a "violent shock to the thorax caused by a 'flash-ball' type projectile." This controversial police weapon is believed to have led to his cardiac arrest.

Bendriss was reportedly riding his scooter in the city at the time of the protests. His lifeless body was discovered outside his mother's residence after he had become unwell. A subsequent postmortem examination revealed signs of chest trauma believed to have been inflicted by the French police's rubber bullet-firing weapon, referred to as an LBD (lanceur de balle de défense).

An official inquiry has been initiated into the cause of death through the "use or threat of a weapon." The prosecutor's statement noted that both law enforcement officers and civilians have provided testimonies in connection with the incident.

Kaouther Ben Mohamed, the president of Angry Marseille, an organization that orchestrated a protest march following Nahel's shooting, said Bendriss' mother asserted her son's absence from violent protests.

This investigation follows a separate case where four Marseille police officers faced charges of violence against a 22-year-old man named Hedi, who reportedly sustained skull injuries after an alleged beating by the police involving a flash ball. Three of the officers have been released on bail, while the detention of the fourth officer prompted his colleagues to take sick leave in protest. The officer in question admitted to firing the LBD but claimed no awareness of any resulting injuries.

Additionally, a third investigation was launched following an incident where Abdelkarim Y, Bendriss' 22-year-old cousin, lost an eye after being struck by an LBD on the night of June 30.