Around 1,000 people gathered in Paris over the weekend to protest the death of a migrant worker who died shortly after being arrested by police. The protest has renewed public anger and calls for justice in cases involving alleged police violence in France.
The man, identified as 35-year-old Mauritanian migrant El Hacen Diarra, was arrested on January 14 in Paris’ 20th arrondissement. Videos filmed by residents during the arrest quickly spread online, showing a violent struggle between Diarra and police officers. The footage sparked outrage and led to calls for accountability.
The protest took place under police supervision and was largely silent, with Diarra’s family present. Demonstrators held signs that read “Justice for El Hacen Diarra” and “No justice, no peace.” The march was organized by anti-racism and anti–police violence groups who say the case reflects deeper problems in how migrants and minority communities are treated by law enforcement.
Police said Diarra was detained for allegedly resisting arrest, carrying a substance that looked like cannabis, and having forged documents. However, his family strongly disputes the official version. They say he was the victim of excessive force outside the migrant workers’ hostel where he lived.
Video footage reviewed by the family reportedly shows two officers punching a man while he was on the ground. In the recording, Diarra can be heard saying, “You are suffocating me,” several times before he loses consciousness. He later died after being taken into custody, according to reports.
Paris prosecutors confirmed that the officers’ body cameras were not working at the time of the arrest because their batteries were flat. This detail has increased public anger and raised concerns about transparency and police accountability. An official investigation has now been opened on suspicion of “causing death through intentional violence by a person representing public authority,” which is considered a serious crime in France.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the officers involved should not be suspended immediately and that legal procedures must be respected. Diarra’s family, however, is demanding that the officers be detained while the investigation continues.
The case has drawn comparisons to previous deaths in police custody in France and has restarted a national debate about police practices, the use of force, and the treatment of migrants. Many protesters say the outcome of this investigation will be an important test of justice and accountability in the country.
Why are people protesting in Paris?
Protesters are demanding justice and accountability after a migrant worker died following a violent police arrest that was recorded on video and widely shared online.