Security footage challenges report as French police officers face trial over beating black producer accused of wearing no mask during Covid

An assault captured on camera

Investigators said the attack lasted five minutes and involved about 30 punches and truncheon blows. Zecler suffered facial and head injuries and a complete rupture of his biceps tendon, leaving him unable to work for 45 days. He is now 47 and has a titanium anchor in his left arm; he says he still has nightmares.

Racism allegations and wider debate

France’s human rights ombudswoman said police used “racist insults” during the assault, citing four witnesses. The officers denied this, and alleged racism was not included in the indictment. Zecler said officers used a racist slur and said he would repeat the allegation at the hearing.

Campaigners and rights groups cited the case as evidence of what they describe as systemic racism in French policing. Authorities and police unions say brutality is limited to isolated cases. Recent student-led protests have also brought police conduct into focus, including an incident in which a 14-year-old lost most of his teeth after an officer appeared to fire a grenade at close range.

Rare prosecutions and stop data

Most allegations of police brutality in France are dealt with internally, and guilty verdicts are uncommon. In a separate case, an officer is to be tried over the fatal 2023 shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk outside Paris; video footage contradicted the police account and sparked nationwide protests. In 2024, three officers received suspended sentences for causing irreversible rectal injuries to Theo Luhaka during a 2017 stop-and-search.

A report last year by France’s rights ombudswoman said young men perceived as Arab, black or from north Africa were four times more likely to be stopped than the rest of the population. Based on a survey of more than 5,000 people, it also found they were 12 times more likely to face more severe measures, including being frisked.