Controversy Surrounds Death of El Hacen Diarra in Paris Police Custody

El Hacen Diarra, a 35-year-old Mauritanian man, died of cardiac arrest while in police custody in Paris, sparking a judicial investigation and a heated controversy over police conduct. Diarra was apprehended on suspicion of rolling a cannabis cigarette in the 20th arrondissement on the night of January 14-15. A video recorded by neighbors shows police officers using force during the arrest, including one officer punching Diarra while he was on the ground. According to sound analysis from the family, Diarra can be heard crying out, "You are choking me!" — suggesting the use of excessive force.

The Paris prosecutor's office opened an investigation for "voluntary violence by a public authority holder" leading to Diarra's death. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that the police intervened due to the drug-related incident and described an altercation involving a taser applied to Diarra's calf. Nuñez stated that Diarra was transported to the police station without incident, where he then suffered cardiac arrest. While acknowledging that two punches were struck, Nuñez said there was no reason to suspend the officers and deferred to the ongoing judicial inquiry to determine causality.

The victim's family demands further action. Lawyer Yassine Bouzrou alleges that the autopsy results indicate strangulation and has called for the officers involved to be placed in custody. This case has raised deep concerns in France about the treatment of detainees and police accountability, fueling calls for justice and transparency.

As the investigation proceeds, authorities maintain confidence in the justice system to clarify the circumstances, while the family continues to push for thorough judicial review and accountability for the fatal incident in custody.