Three French police officers are set to face trial in Paris for the involuntary homicide of Cedric Chouviat, a 42-year-old man who repeatedly told officers, “I’m suffocating,” during his arrest in January 2020, according to a source close to the case who confirmed the information to AFP on Friday.
At least two of the accused officers have already filed appeals against the decision to prosecute. Chouviat’s death, which occurred after he was tackled to the ground by police, has drawn parallels to the May 2020 killing of George Floyd in the United States, a case that triggered global protests against police brutality.
Investigating magistrates determined that the officers involved acted with “inappropriate, negligent, and imprudent behaviour” during Chouviat’s arrest, according to court documents seen by AFP and first reported by investigative website Mediapart.
A fourth officer, a female present at the scene, will not face trial. During the arrest on January 3, 2020, Chouviat was wearing his motorbike helmet when he was tackled. He lost consciousness and was transported to a hospital in critical condition. He died two days later, on January 5.
Subsequent investigative findings revealed that Chouviat said “I’m suffocating” nine times within a span of 13 seconds before losing consciousness.
The case has become a potent symbol of police violence in France, where high-profile incidents, including shootings during traffic stops and injuries during protests, have sparked growing public outrage and scrutiny.
Arie Alimi, the lawyer representing the Chouviat family, called the decision to proceed with the trial “an important step for the family” and a landmark moment in the judiciary’s approach to police violence cases.
“The hearings will provide a crucial forum for debates about the functioning of both police and judicial institutions,” Alimi said.
However, William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth, additional lawyers for the Chouviat family, expressed disappointment that the charge of involuntary homicide “distorts and conceals” what they argue was “voluntary” violence against Chouviat. Meanwhile, Pauline Ragot, the legal representative for two of the officers, confirmed that her clients had appealed the December 17 decision ordering the trial.
As the case heads to court, it continues to ignite conversations about police accountability and the broader issue of systemic reform in law enforcement practices in France.