Paris police officer and FLAG! president attacked in homophobic assault

Authorities in Paris have launched an investigation following a violent homophobic attack on Pierre Picavet, a police officer and president of the LGBT+ association FLAG!. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 29 in the Marais district after Picavet left a local establishment.

According to the Paris Prosecutor's Office, the suspect allegedly threw a bottle at Picavet before striking him, causing injuries including an internal hemorrhage and an open head wound. Picavet reported being subjected to multiple homophobic insults during the assault. Despite presenting his professional police identification, he was unable to stop the attacker.

A suspect, identified as Taha W., has been formally charged with aggravated violence and theft. He has been placed under strict judicial supervision, which includes a ban on entering the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris, a prohibition on contacting the victim, and a requirement to undergo addiction treatment. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to confirm the discriminatory motives behind the attack.