French police watchdog opens 4 investigations into Oct. 17 protest violence

By Seyma Erkul Dayanc

ISTANBUL (AA) - France’s National Police Inspectorate (IGPN) has opened four investigations into alleged police violence during demonstrations on Oct. 17, French public broadcaster Franceinfo reported.

The investigations concern incidents involving police officers during the protests.

The IGPN investigates alleged misconduct by members of the national police force.

The investigations follow several weeks of student-led protests, during which authorities have faced scrutiny over police interventions and injuries reported among demonstrators.

On Oct. 13, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the IGPN had opened 36 investigations into alleged incidents since the start of the student mobilization, including four involving “mutilating injuries” and six concerning “significant injuries.”

The protests have also resulted in injuries among police officers and education staff, while authorities have defended their response to incidents of violence during demonstrations.

Şeyma Erkul Dayanç