French Lawyers to Sue Interior Minister Over Protester Mutilations
Legal action targets Laurent Nuñez for alleged police brutality during recent student demonstrations.
1Legal Action Against Minister
Lawyers representing at least 18 injured individuals are preparing a collective complaint against Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The legal team intends to hold the minister accountable for police brutality during recent student and cost-of-living protests. They argue that the minister bears direct responsibility for the severe injuries sustained by demonstrators.
2Extent of Reported Injuries
Since mid-September, approximately 20 serious injuries have been documented during various demonstrations across France. Victims have suffered permanent damage, including the loss of hands and eyes, facial fractures, and deep shrapnel wounds. These injuries were reportedly caused by rubber-bullet launchers and grenades deployed by riot police during the unrest.
3Specific Cases of Violence
Among the victims is a 14-year-old who sustained a severe jaw injury in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône. Additionally, a 16-year-old lost sight in one eye in Tours on September 30, and a 17-year-old lost his right hand in Saint-Étienne on October 17. These incidents highlight the extreme nature of the police force's recent tactical interventions.
4Allegations of Intentional Harm
Lawyer Arie Alimi accuses Minister Nuñez of authorizing weapons known to cause permanent mutilation. The legal team argues these tools are inappropriate for policing public demonstrations. Potential charges against the minister include intentional violence resulting in mutilation or complicity by instigation, aiming to trace the entire chain of command responsibility.
5Judicial Process and Jurisdiction
The complaint will be submitted to the Court of Justice of the Republic, which holds exclusive jurisdiction over offenses committed by government ministers during their official duties. Lawyers are currently gathering signatures, with ten clients already confirmed. They plan to file the formal legal documentation within the next three weeks.
6Police Admission of Control
Following the intense unrest on October 17, which resulted in over 1,300 arrests, Minister Nuñez publicly admitted that police had lost control of the situation. This admission serves as a critical component of the legal argument, suggesting a failure in operational oversight and command during the management of the student-led protests.
7Internal Investigations Underway
As of October 30, police authorities have initiated 52 internal investigations regarding the student protests. A significant portion, specifically 48 cases, focuses on violence occurring on October 17 and 18. These internal probes run parallel to the lawyers' efforts to seek justice through the formal judicial system for the injured victims.
8Broader Political Implications
This case marks a significant escalation in the tension between the French government and civil society. By targeting a high-ranking minister, the legal action challenges the state's use of force and its accountability mechanisms. The outcome will likely influence future policies regarding crowd control tactics and the use of non-lethal weapons.
Original article: RFI English — French Lawyers to Sue Interior Minister Over Protester Mutilations