French officer faces charges for causing skull fracture to woman

A police officer in southern France has been formally charged with aggravated assault, seven years after a young woman endured a violent attack by more than a dozen officers during a demonstration, prosecutors announced on Friday. He is the first law enforcement official to face charges in connection with the December 2018 incident in Marseille involving the 19-year-old victim, identified only by her first name, Angelina.

Angelina sustained a fractured skull and other severe, lasting injuries after the attack. On the day of the incident, Marseille witnessed multiple protests, including a "Yellow Vest" demonstration advocating for economic justice, with around 500 officers deployed.

The victim, a saleswoman, was returning from work with her boyfriend when she was struck in the thigh by a projectile. Subsequently, she was attacked by roughly 15 officers, who kicked and struck her with batons. Her boyfriend was also assaulted while attempting to defend her.

Authorities reported that one officer has been charged with aggravated assault and failure to assist a person in danger. While prosecutors sought pre-trial detention, a judge instead imposed judicial supervision, including a ban on performing police duties. Another officer faces charges for failing to help a person in danger and is similarly under judicial supervision.

In total, ten officers are under investigation. Eight are being investigated for failing to assist the victim, and one is facing prosecution for assaulting the womans boyfriend. Last month, advocacy groups urged for more impartial inquiries into allegations of police brutality, criticizing the internal handling of misconduct cases and the low rate of prosecutions against officers.

Author: Harper Simmons