The Investigation Begins

Three members of the French police special unit, Raid, are currently in custody while two of their colleagues have been released in connection with the investigation into the death of Mohamed during the riots in Marseille on July 1st. The IGPN (General Inspection of the National Police) is conducting the investigation in collaboration with the judicial police of Marseille. The Marseille prosecutor's office has opened a judicial investigation for "fatal blows with the use or threat of a weapon."

Tragic Circumstances Unfold

A total of twenty Raid police officers were summoned for questioning by the IGPN on Tuesday. Mohamed, a 27-year-old man, was discovered dead from cardiac arrest near his scooter in the city center, amidst the riots sparked by the death of Nahel. The Marseille prosecutor's office has stated that the man died from cardiac arrest caused by a "violent shock to the chest." The autopsy revealed an impact on the chest, possibly caused by a spherical projectile, indicating a possible connection to a flash-ball type projectile.

Allegations of Police Violence

Mohamed's death investigation is part of a larger context of allegations of police violence during the Marseille riots. Another case involves Hedi, a young man who was shot in the head with a flash-ball and subsequently subjected to physical assault, resulting in part of his skull being amputated. Four police officers from the Marseille anti-crime brigade have been indicted for "voluntary violence resulting in total incapacity for work for more than 8 days" in relation to Hedi's case. The detention of one of the officers has sparked protests among some police officers, leading to sick leave or minimal service.

Questioning the Use of Force

The death of Mohamed has also raised concerns about the use of flash-ball ammunition by the police during the riots. The investigation will determine whether the use of these projectiles was in compliance with regulations. The Raid police officers who are still in custody will provide their account of events as part of the ongoing investigation. The Marseille prosecutor's office has stated that other police officers have also been summoned as witnesses in the case.

Seeking Justice and Healing

The death of Mohamed and the allegations of police violence have ignited public outrage and demands for justice. Mohamed's family remains hopeful that the involved police officers will be identified and held accountable. The investigation will shed light on the circumstances surrounding Mohamed's death and determine whether excessive force was used by the police. Meanwhile, the city of Marseille remains on edge as tensions continue to simmer following the riots and the subsequent investigations into police conduct.

Words of the day

arrest : arrestation

investigation : enquête