A man who was arrested during a memorial protest in Paris has announced plans to file a complaint against the officers who allegedly injured him. The incident occurred during a gathering in memory of the man’s brother, Adama Traore, who died in police custody seven years ago. The arrest was captured on video and quickly went viral, contributing to the already tense social climate in France.
The man, identified as Youssouf Traore, was taken into custody on Saturday after allegedly assaulting a police officer at the prohibited gathering. In the video footage, armored riot police are seen approaching Traore after the alleged attack. He engages in a heated argument with them before resisting arrest and shoving one officer. He is then tackled and restrained before being escorted to a police vehicle. In the chaos, another officer is seen pushing a woman to the ground.
Following the arrest, Traore was hospitalized, and the charges against him were temporarily dropped, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. On Sunday, a statement was released by a social media account called ‘Justice for Adama’ on behalf of Traore. In the statement, Traore claims to have suffered a broken nose and injuries to his eye, chest, back, and head during the arrest. He also announces his intention to lodge a complaint with the prosecutor’s office. A video accompanying the statement shows his visibly swollen eye.
The arrest and subsequent injuries suffered by Traore have garnered condemnation from left-wing politicians and journalists. More than a dozen protesters gathered outside the Paris police station where he was held on Saturday night to express their disapproval, as reported by the AFP news agency.
The incident is reminiscent of the 2016 protests and riots that were sparked by the death of Adama Traore. The cause of his death remains a point of contention, with an official inquest attributing it to hyperthermia, while his family maintains that he was asphyxiated by the police. Three officers involved in his arrest were later cleared of any wrongdoing.
It is worth noting that Adama Traore himself had a troubled past. He was arrested alongside another brother, Bagui Traore, for the alleged assault and extortion of a disabled woman. Adama had previously served time for multiple offenses, including assault, theft, extortion, and drug dealing. He had been released from prison just two months before his death.
The arrest of Youssouf Traore comes less than two weeks after the fatal shooting of a French-Algerian teenager by the police, which triggered nationwide rioting. The riots, primarily led by youths from immigrant backgrounds, resulted in the burning of cars and businesses, as well as attacks on police officers in various towns and cities across France. Over 3,700 people were detained during the violent unrest.
The incident involving Youssouf Traore highlights the ongoing tensions between the police and minority communities in France. It also indicates the larger societal issues surrounding police brutality and alleged excessive use of force. The outcome of the complaint filed by Traore will undoubtedly be closely watched, as it has the potential to fuel further protests and unrest in the country.
In conclusion, the arrest of Youssouf Traore during a memorial protest in Paris has sparked controversy and garnered public attention. His intention to file a complaint against the officers allegedly responsible for his injuries underscores the ongoing tensions between the police and minority communities in France. The incident serves as a reminder of the unresolved issues surrounding police brutality and the potentially volatile social climate in the country.
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