Paris Protests Over Death of Worker in Police Custody

Thousands protested in Paris Sunday following the death of El Hacen Diarra, a 35-year-old Mauritanian immigrant worker, while in police custody. Demonstrators voiced concerns about police violence and alleged racism.

The Death of El Hacen Diarra

El Hacen Diarra was arrested on January 14 near a shelter in northeast Paris. Video footage shared on social media appeared to show a police officer punching a man on the ground while another officer stood nearby. Diarra’s family has filed a legal complaint accusing security forces of “intentional violence that led to a death.” Paris police have initiated an internal investigation into the incident.

Account of Events

According to the family, Diarra was having coffee outside the shelter when he encountered police. Prosecutors stated police alleged they saw Diarra roll a cannabis joint and attempted to arrest him when he resisted a search. He was taken into custody for alleged resisting arrest, possession of a substance resembling cannabis, and possession of forged documents. Officers reported Diarra collapsed while waiting on a bench at the police station and, despite attempts to revive him by paramedics, he was pronounced dead.

Government Response

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has rejected calls for the officers involved to be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. He acknowledged that the officer seen punching Diarra in the video “will have to explain himself,” but maintained that the cause of death remains undetermined.

Family and Community Reaction

Diarra’s cousin, Diankou Sissoko, expressed skepticism about the possibility of justice, citing previous cases of alleged police misconduct without resolution. She described Diarra as “kind, smiling” and “quiet,” contradicting the police account of him being aggressive.

Broader Context of Police Allegations

Allegations of police violence and racism have been increasing in France in recent years, particularly during the “yellow vest” protests. Activists claim few such cases result in criminal court proceedings, with most handled internally.

Recent Cases of Police Accountability

Prosecutors have requested a trial for a police officer involved in the 2023 killing of a teenager during a traffic stop, an incident that triggered nationwide protests. A ruling on whether the officer will face trial is expected in March. In 2024, three officers received suspended jail sentences for inflicting irreversible injuries to a black man during a stop-and-search in 2017.