Three French police officers have gone on trial over the alleged beating of music producer Michel Zecler, 47, in November 2020. The officers reportedly stopped Mr Zecler outside his Paris studio, accusing him of not wearing a face mask during the Covid pandemic and suspecting him of cannabis use.
Security cameras at Mr Zecler's studio recorded the alleged assault, which involved approximately 30 punches and truncheon blows over five minutes. A medical report noted craniofacial trauma, a lip and scalp wound, and a ruptured biceps tendon, which reportedly prevented Mr Zecler from working for 45 days.
Police officers Aurelien Lapersonne, 29, Pierre Plantier, 37, and Philippe Tondeux, 50, face charges of intentional violence committed in a group and forgery for allegedly attempting to cover up their actions in an official report. They could face up to 15 years in jail.
Mr Zecler told Agence France-Presse that he expects the trial to hold the officers accountable. France's human rights ombudswoman stated that four witnesses reported police used "racist insults" during the assault, though the officers deny this and alleged racism was not included in the indictment.