Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Paris on Sunday to demand justice for El Hacen Diarra, a 35-year-old Mauritanian migrant worker who died in police custody on January 14, 2026. The protest, which gathered at the northeast Paris shelter where Diarra had been living, is the latest in a series of demonstrations accusing French police of violence and racism.
The controversy surrounding Diarra’s death erupted after disturbing footage surfaced on social media, showing a police officer punching a man on the ground as another officer stood by. The video, filmed by neighbors, fueled accusations that Diarra had been violently arrested by police the night he was taken into custody.
Protesters, many of whom were family members of the deceased, marched toward the local police station holding banners that read “Justice” and “RIP.” Slogans such as “A police force that kills us” echoed through the streets, as participants expressed their outrage over the incident and demanded accountability for the officers involved.
Diarra’s family has filed a legal complaint against the police, accusing them of “intentional violence that led to a death.” His lawyer, Yassine Bouzrou, told AFP that the family is seeking justice after what they view as another case of unchecked police violence. The family has disputed the police’s version of events, with Diarra’s cousin, Diankou Sissoko, describing him as “kind, smiling,” and “quiet,” in stark contrast to the police account, which painted him as aggressive.
In response to the protest and public outcry, Paris police have launched an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Diarra’s death. The Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, rejected calls for the suspension of the officers involved until further evidence is gathered. He did, however, state that the officer seen on video throwing punches would be required to explain his actions.
According to the official account, Diarra had been sitting outside the shelter drinking coffee when he encountered police officers who alleged he was rolling a cannabis joint. They proceeded to arrest him after he refused a body search. Diarra was then detained for resisting arrest, possessing a substance resembling cannabis, and alleged possession of forged documents. While in police custody, Diarra was reported to have passed out, and despite efforts by paramedics to revive him, he was later pronounced dead.
The protest is just the latest in a series of incidents that have raised concerns about the use of excessive force by police in France. In recent years, the country has seen a number of high-profile cases of alleged police violence, including the 2023 killing of a teenager during a traffic stop and a 2017 incident in which officers were sentenced for inflicting severe injuries on a Black man during a stop-and-search.
As the investigation into El Hacen Diarra’s death continues, the protesters’ calls for justice grow louder, with many voicing a lack of faith in the system to deliver meaningful accountability. Diarra’s tragic death has become another flashpoint in the ongoing debate about police violence, racism, and the need for reform in France’s law enforcement practices.
Key Details:
- Protest Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
- Location: Paris, France
- Victim: El Hacen Diarra, 35-year-old Mauritanian migrant worker
- Police Involvement: Alleged violent arrest and death in custody
- Protest Demands: Justice for Diarra, accountability for the police, and an end to police violence
As investigations continue, Diarra’s family and supporters hope for justice in a case that has sparked renewed calls for change in policing practices in France.
