Three French police officers have gone on trial in Paris over the 2020 beating of Black music producer Michel Zecler, a high-profile case that reignited national debate over systemic police violence and accountability.
PARIS: Three French policemen went on trial on Monday over the beating of a black music producer they say was not wearing a face mask during the Covid pandemic, in a rare police brutality case to go to court.
The assault on Michel Zecler, now 47, triggered renewed outrage in France over police violence, which victims and researchers say is systemic but authorities and law enforcement unions claim is limited to isolated cases.
Zecler arrived in court wearing a white shirt and dark blue jacket, accompanied by many supporters, including deputy mayor of Paris for international relations Audrey Pulvar, as well as several French music or showbiz personalities. Not all were able to make it into the small courtroom.
