Youth attacked by plainclothes officer

A 17-year-old high school student named Mohammed was attacked by an officer in civilian clothes while filming a police intervention near Bergson high school in Paris’s 19th arrondissement on October 5, 2026. He and his family have filed a formal complaint with the National Police Inspectorate (IGPN), which has launched an investigation into the incident.

Injuries and medical report

According to a medical certificate issued the same day, Mohammed suffered a cut on his left ear, a bruise on his right thigh, and a dermabrasion on his left knee. Most of his injuries had healed within two weeks, but he continues to experience emotional distress and has recurring nightmares related to the incident.

Context of the attack

Mohammed said he was filming the police charge to document potential abuses and was unaware he was the only Maghrebi person present at the scene. He described the officer as wearing a Nike tracksuit with a cap turned backward, with no visible insignia. The officer struck him with a telescopic baton near his leg and head.

Photographic evidence

The incident occurred during a blockade at Bergson high school, as shown in photographs obtained by StreetPress. One photo, taken by photographer Hugo Aymar, shows the officer appearing to sweep Mohammed to the ground during the attack.

Medical treatment and family response

Mohammed was advised by bystanders to go to Saint-Louis hospital in the 10th arrondissement, where he received treatment for the ear cut, which did not require stitches. His older sister left her classes to accompany him. The officer reportedly told Mohammed it was a pity he was wearing a tracksuit, and the family felt the officer had prejudices against them.

Family’s perspective

Mohammed’s father, Rafik, a VTC driver, was at work during the incident, while his mother, Nezha, a babysitter, expressed concern but admitted she could not prevent her son from going out. His older brother, Ibrahim, criticized the use of force, stating, “You shouldn’t be hit by a policeman for filming!”

Impact on Mohammed’s life

The incident has affected Mohammed’s daily life, making him apprehensive about going out with friends and causing him to experience an increased heart rate when encountering the national police. He also lost his tinted glasses with a golden frame during the attack and believes a second officer may have taken them.

Inspiration and future

Mohammed is considering becoming a doctor after the incident, inspired by the medical care he received. He supports the student protests, noting that he does not have a philosophy teacher this year and is aware of recent police violence. He considers himself lucky compared to others who have suffered more severe injuries, such as Eden in the Val-d’Oise, who lost almost all his teeth.

Broader police investigations

As of October 13, 2026, the IGPN had opened 36 investigations into police conduct since the beginning of the student protests, according to Interior Minister Laurent Núñez. Mohammed is currently seeking a place to study, as his high school had been damaged in a previous incident, and he is visiting libraries in the area.