Belfort: IGPN to investigate attempted murder allegation involving high school student

An investigation has been opened for ‘attempted murder’ following the arrest of a 17-year-old high school student in the Savoureuse river near Belfort. The case has been referred to the Inspection Générale de la Police Nationale (IGPN) to ensure an impartial inquiry.

The incident occurred on October 2 during a demonstration near Lycée Courbet. The teenager, a Bulgarian national, filed a complaint alleging that a police officer held his head underwater during the arrest. While videos circulating online show the youth in the water, they do not definitively confirm if his head was submerged.

Concurrently, a separate investigation is underway regarding aggravated violence against a public official. Following the initial arrest attempt, the officer was reportedly knocked to the ground and assaulted by several individuals, including the teenager. The youth has been placed in custody for these acts, a decision his lawyer is appealing.