Photographer injured by police grenade

Ahmed B., a 25-year-old photographer, was seriously injured by a grenade fired by a police officer during a demonstration at Place de la République in Paris on October 17. His lawyer filed a complaint stating that the injury led to his hospitalization and that the grenade struck his femoral artery.

Investigation opened by Paris prosecutor

The Paris prosecutor’s office announced on October 24 that it had opened an investigation into the incident, assigning it to the IGPN, which is known as the "police of the police." The investigation is based on charges of violence by a public official resulting in serious injury or disability during a demonstration.

Legal actions taken by the victim’s lawyer

Ahmed B.’s lawyer, Me Arié Alimi, filed a complaint on Thursday for "attempted voluntary homicide," claiming that the police did not assist the injured man and left him bleeding on the sidewalk. The complaint also includes charges of complicity in attempted murder and group violence involving a weapon.

Criticism of the prosecutor’s office

Me Alimi criticized the Paris prosecutor’s office for initially refusing to open a preliminary investigation and suggested the new legal charges were intended to protect officials. He warned that more amputations and deaths could result from the use of explosive grenades during demonstrations.

Ahmed B.’s current condition

According to the complaint, Ahmed B. lost more than a liter of blood and was taken to the hospital by demonstrators. He underwent more than three hours of emergency surgery and is still in intensive care, with uncertainty about whether he will retain use of his leg.

Multiple investigations opened by the Interior Ministry

On Friday, the Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nunez, announced that eight investigations had been opened by the IGPN into incidents that occurred during the weekend of October 17-18.