Policeman to Stand Trial Over 2019 'Gilet Jaune' Incident

A French officer faces criminal charges for allegedly blinding a protester with a tear gas grenade during a Paris demonstration.

A judge has ordered a trial for the officer accused of causing permanent injury to protester Manuel Coisne during a 'Gilet Jaune' rally in November 2019.
The officer, Fabrice T., is charged with voluntary violence resulting in mutilation, a serious offense under French law.
Coisne lost his left eye after being struck by a tear gas grenade, which the judge claims was fired improperly at a dangerously low angle.
The decision to prosecute goes against the public prosecutor's recommendation for dismissal, citing conformity with police training.
This case marks one of the first criminal trials addressing police violence during the 'Gilet Jaune' protests that began in 2018.