Three French police officers face trial over 2020 beating of Michel Zecler

Trial begins for accused officers

Michel Zecler, now 47, was stopped outside his studio on November 21, 2020. Officers Aurelien B, Pierre P, and Philippe T accused him of not wearing a mask. Security cameras recorded them pushing him into an office before beating him for five minutes. The investigation found he received about 30 punches and blows from a truncheon. Zecler suffered craniofacial trauma, a lip wound, and a ruptured biceps tendon requiring surgery.

Charges include forgery and violence

The officers face charges of intentional violence committed in a group as well as forgery. They allegedly tried to cover up their actions in an official report by claiming Zecler hit them. Lawyers for the accused declined to comment before the hearing starts this Monday. If found guilty, each officer could receive up to 15 years in jail. France's human rights ombudswoman stated witnesses heard racist insults during the incident.

Context of police violence cases

Campaigners view this case as evidence of systemic racism where ethnic minorities face harsher treatment. Most alleged brutality cases are handled internally rather than reaching criminal court in France. A separate trial involves a policeman accused of shooting dead 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk in June 2023. Video footage contradicted police accounts in that incident and sparked nationwide protests recently.