The man was seriously injured.
An investigation was opened after a photographer was hit in the testicles by a truncheon during the demonstration on January 19, according to the Paris prosecutor's office, confirming information from BFMTV.
It is the general inspectorate of the national police (IGPN), the "police of the police", which is in charge of these investigations for "violence by a person holding public authority".
The victim, a 26-year-old Franco-Spanish engineer, who was taking photos during the demonstration on Thursday against the pension reform in Paris, had to have his testicle amputated after a baton from a policeman, had indicated this his lawyer on Sunday.
Me Lucie Simon had to file a complaint for willful violence resulting in mutilation by a person holding public authority.
The engineer, who lives in Guadeloupe, "is still in shock and keeps asking why" he was injured.
“He did not represent a danger, he feels incomprehension, shock and anger because he will suffer irreversible consequences”, underlined Me Simon.
Thrown to the ground then kicked in the crotch
In photos circulating on social media and videos, a policeman is seen hitting a man on the ground in the crotch with a truncheon, who is holding a camera in one hand, and then walks away.
The man was thrown to the ground by another police officer, according to his account.
Paris, demonstration against the pension reform
A Spanish photographer is overthrown on a charge from the police and receives a blow while he is on the ground… #greve19janvier #manifestation19janvier #19janvier2023 pic.twitter.com/3HKWSZ5Tmq
— AB7 Media (@Ab7Media) January 19, 2023
The scene took place at the time of clashes between demonstrators and the police, near the Place de la Bastille, with the throwing of projectiles and the use of tear gas.
"The prefect of police asked the director of public order and traffic (DOPC) that the exact circumstances of the reported incident be clarified", had indicated the prefecture of police.
The facts occurred according to the police headquarters "in a context of extreme violence and as part of a police maneuver to arrest violent individuals".
