FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

News

Violent protests erupt in Paris suburbs after cops accused of sodomizing black man

Violent protests against police brutality have continued through their fourth day in the suburbs of Paris.

On Feb. 2, police were conducting an identity check at a housing estate in the Paris suburb of Aulnay-sous-Bois, during which a 22-year-old black man known only as Theo was allegedly sodomized with a police officer’s baton.

The incident sparked protests calling for “Justice for Theo” that have since spread from Aulnay-sous-Bois to the surrounding suburbs, as well as Paris.

Four officers have been charged in connection with the incident — one with aggravated rape, three with aggravated assault — and have been suspended.

Police say a dozen people have been arrested as a result of the violent protests, which have included setting fire to vehicles.

French President François Hollande visited Theo in hospital on Tuesday, during which Theo made an appeal for peace: “Let’s be united, I trust the justice system, and justice will be done. Stop the war, pray for me.”