Trial Begins in France Over Police “Anal” Assault That Shocked the Nation

In France, a significant trial has commenced, putting three policemen on trial for their alleged involvement in an assault that left a young black man disabled after suffering severe rectal (anal) injuries from a police baton, as well as severe injuries to his head and face during a stop and search operation in 2017. The case, which sent shockwaves across the country, highlights concerns of police brutality and racism.

The victim, Theo Luhaka, was 22 years old at the time of the incident. He sustained severe anal injuries from a police baton, along with head and facial wounds during an identity check in the Paris suburb of Aulnay-sous-Bois in February 2017. A medical report in 2019 revealed that his injuries would necessitate lifelong treatment, leaving him disabled.

In an unusual move, this case of alleged police brutality is being tried in a criminal court rather than at an internal disciplinary hearing. The accused officers are Marc-Antoine Castelain, 34, Jeremie Dulin, 42, and Tony Hochart, 31.

Marc-Antoine Castelain faces charges of voluntary violence resulting in “permanent disability” and could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. His two colleagues are on trial for their participation in the assault, including alleged kneeing and punching of Luhaka while he was handcuffed on the ground.

The trial is expected to last for ten days, with a verdict anticipated on January 19.

The police oversight body IPGN previously determined that there had been a “disproportionate use of force” during the incident, with the two violent baton blows inflicted when “Luhaka was not attacking the physical integrity of the police officers.”

During the trial, Castelain defended his actions, stating, “I used a blow that I was taught at the police academy, a legitimate blow.” He expressed his “deep compassion” for Luhaka and added that the incident had cost him his home and profession.

The assault on Theo Luhaka was captured on video surveillance, depicting the moment Castelain struck Luhaka while he was pinned against a wall. This violent blow resulted in a ruptured sphincter for the young man.

While Luhaka had initially made rape allegations against Castelain, prosecutors have since indicated that there is insufficient evidence to support this charge.

The widely circulated video footage of the incident sparked outrage, prompting then-President Francois Hollande to visit Luhaka in the hospital.

This trial echoes ongoing concerns of police brutality and racism in France. Activists have repeatedly raised these issues, pointing to incidents like the death of Cedric Chouviat, a delivery man who died after being held in a chokehold during his arrest for a traffic offence.

It is crucial to note that while there have been instances of accountability and justice, such as the charges against officers in specific cases, there have also been instances where cases against law enforcement officials were dropped, as seen with the Adama Traore case in 2023.

The trial has garnered significant attention, with support from activists and concerned citizens alike, reflecting the broader conversation around policing and racial justice in France.