Paris Protests Erupt After Mauritian Migrant's Death in Police Custody

Widespread Protests in Paris

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Paris to protest the death of El Hacen Diarra, a 35-year-old Mauritian migrant worker, who died in police custody on January 14, 2026. The demonstrations, which saw participants chanting slogans against 'a police force that kills us,' were sparked by the emergence of videos depicting a violent arrest.

Protesters, including members of Diarra's family, gathered at the migrant workers' hostel in the 20th arrondissement where he resided, before marching towards the local police station. Banners demanding 'Justice' and bearing 'RIP' were displayed during the rallies.

Details of the Arrest and Death

The incident began with Diarra's arrest in front of his residence. Videos filmed by neighbors and circulated on social media show a police officer punching Diarra while he was on the ground. An analysis of the audio from the footage, conducted by Diarra's family, reportedly captures him crying out, 'Vous m'étranglez' (You are suffocating me).

Further surveillance footage from the police station shows Diarra appearing fatigued before collapsing. A police officer was observed covering him with a blanket and cleaning up after he began to urinate. Another officer then checked his pulse before he was unrestrained and laid down. His cardiorespiratory arrest was noted, and a police officer initiated cardiac massage. Diarra's death was confirmed at 1:20 AM.

Official Response and Investigations

The Paris public prosecutor's office has launched a judicial inquiry into the death, specifically for 'intentional violence by a person holding public authority resulting in death.' Diarra's family has also filed a legal complaint, accusing security forces of 'intentional violence that led to a death.'

Despite calls for the suspension of the officers involved, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has stated that 'nothing indicates, at this stage, what the causes of death are.' However, he affirmed that the officer seen punching Diarra in the video would 'have to explain himself.' The police's body cameras were reportedly not operational at the time of the incident due to depleted batteries.

Broader Context of Police Brutality Concerns

This event has reignited long-standing concerns in France regarding alleged police brutality and accusations of racism within the police force, particularly concerning the treatment of migrants and individuals from minority backgrounds. Activists and human rights groups have drawn parallels to other high-profile cases of deaths in police custody in France, such as those of Adama Traoré and Théo Luhaka, which have also led to widespread protests and calls for justice.