Agence France-Presse reported three French police officers face trial over the beating of music producer Michel Zecler, after security-camera footage contradicted the officers’ account of his 2020 arrest.
On Nov. 21, 2020, officers stopped Zecler outside his Paris studio after saying he was not wearing a required mask, then pushed him through the entrance, AFP reported. The studio’s security cameras recorded the encounter.
The officers’ report accused Zecler of hitting them and trying to take a truncheon. AFP reported that the footage contradicted their account. A medical report put Zecler’s work incapacity at 45 days, AFP reported.
France’s human rights ombudswoman said four witnesses reported racist insults by officers, according to AFP. The officers denied the allegation. AFP reported that racism was not listed in the indictment.
The officers are also accused of falsifying the arrest report, AFP reported. The trial is scheduled to begin Monday, according to the agency.
