ADVERTISEMENT

Cop cleared over death of anti-dam protester

The shocking death of Remi Fraisse triggered riots in several French cities.

The 21-year-old botany student died after being hit by the grenade during clashes between the police and opponents of a planned dam in Sivens, near the southwestern city of Toulouse.

The project -- which opponents said threatened biodiversity but which backers said would help irrigate crops -- was later shelved.

On Tuesday, the magistrates in charge of the investigation into Fraisse's death declared that the officer who fired the grenade had no case to answer.

ADVERTISEMENT

The officer's lawyer, Jean Tamalet, said the investigation had shown that his use of force "had been proportionate to the situation" in which the police found themselves, and that he had not targeted Fraisse specifically.

Shortly after the incident the government banned the use of the grenades, which are designed to disorient people rather than to kill.

In 2014, a police oversight body had already cleared the authorities of any wrongdoing, saying the demonstrators had received sufficient warning to disperse before the grenade was fired.

Fraisse's family said it would appeal the decision.

"The decision was taken at the highest level. The justice system does what it's told, that's all there is to it," the deceased's father Jean-Pierre Fraisse said.

ADVERTISEMENT

The dismissal of the investigation comes days before the state is due to decide on another controversial infrastructure project that has sparked years of protests -- a 580-million-euro ($690 million) airport on farmland near Nantes in western France.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT