# Police use of force investigation in Carcassonne

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/police-use-of-force-investigation-in-carcassonne
> Updated: 2026-09-15T08:52:14.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

A judicial inquiry has been launched in Carcassonne following the release of a video showing a National Police officer forcefully throwing a 29-year-old man to the ground during the Fête de la Musique on June 21, 2026. The victim, identified as Youssef E, died of cardiac arrest on July 3, approximately two weeks after the encounter.

Initially, Prosecutor Géraldine Labialle stated that an autopsy performed on July 9 suggested no causal link between the police intervention and the death, citing toxicological causes related to poly-drug use and noting the absence of suspicious traumatic lesions. However, following the circulation of the video, the case has been referred to the General Inspectorate of the National Police (IGPN) in Marseille for an investigation into ‘voluntary violence by a person holding public authority.’

The victim’s brother, Hamza, has contested the characterization of the deceased as a homeless person or drug addict, stating that Youssef E had a room in his parents' home and was consuming cannabis and alcohol with friends at the time of the incident. The incident reportedly occurred in response to repeated noise nuisances.

## Claims

- A separate scandal involved municipal police officers recorded making racist, sexist, and conspiracy-related remarks. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Carcassonne prosecutor's office opened a judicial investigation for 'voluntary violence by a person holding public authority' following a video of a police officer. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The police intervention in Carcassonne was triggered by reports of repeated noise nuisances. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Prosecutor Géraldine Labialle stated that current investigations show no causal link between the police intervention and the man's death. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- An autopsy performed on July 9 found no suspicious traumatic lesions attributable to a third party. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Marseille branch of the IGPN has been tasked with investigating the incident. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The city administration stated that all officers involved in the recording scandal were immediately suspended. (single source)
- Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez ordered an inspection of the municipal police service by the General Inspectorate of Administration. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: France investigates police officer after video shows violent encounter leading to man's death

French authorities have opened a judicial investigation into a police officer for intentional violence after video surfaced showing him throwing a 29-year-old man to the ground, who died 13 days later.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-investigates-police-officer-after-video-shows-violent-encounter-leading-to-mans-death

### 2026-09-13: Carcassonne police under investigation following video of officer's intervention

French authorities have opened an investigation into a national police officer in Carcassonne for voluntary violence after video footage showed him throwing a homeless man to the ground.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carcassonne-police-investigation-launched-over-video-of-violent-intervention

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Cite as: Police use of force investigation in Carcassonne. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/police-use-of-force-investigation-in-carcassonne