Deputy mayor claims tear gas use by police

A deputy mayor of Saint-Denis, Landry Ngang, filed a formal complaint on Tuesday, October 27, alleging that he was sprayed in the face with tear gas by a police officer during an incident that allegedly occurred on Sunday, October 18.

Incident occurred during a police intervention

Ngang was at the scene of a police operation after a shop on Rue Catulienne was vandalized. He went down from his home with his elected official’s card, intending to ask the young people present to leave the area, and then chose to observe the police intervention without interfering.

Lawyer describes police actions as illegitimate

According to Ngang’s lawyer, Me Pierre Brunisso, the deputy mayor was pushed by a police officer and then sprayed in the face with tear gas at point-blank range by a second officer, despite repeatedly declaring his status as a deputy mayor. The lawyer said the use of force was unjustified.

Lawyer highlights official's role and rights

Brunisso emphasized that Ngang was acting in his capacity as a republic elected official, working to calm the situation. He argued that the police targeted Ngang precisely because of his role, which he said undermines the Republic and the public authority he represents to the citizens who elected him.

Request for video evidence submitted

The lawyer has now requested that video surveillance footage, pedestrian cameras, and police vehicle recordings be seized without delay to support the case against the officers involved.