Lyon Policeman Condemned for Assault with Tear Gas on Minor Amid Judicial Backlog Crisis

A Lyon police officer was sentenced to eight months suspended imprisonment and banned from carrying a weapon for two years after assaulting a 14-year-old with a tear gas canister. The incident occurred on September 19, 2020, in Villeurbanne when the teenager was pursued and struck while leaving home post-lockdown. The adolescent suffered broken teeth from the canister's explosion. Although the officer claimed the explosion was accidental and the case was initially closed by prosecutors, lawyers for the victim secured a direct citation leading to conviction. They criticized the lack of an independent investigation, citing unused camera footage and questionable police testimonies. Concurrently, the police union Un1té highlighted a deep crisis in France’s judicial system, revealing a backlog of 3 million pending cases, 40% over two years old. The union attributes this paralysis to a shortage of 2,000 investigators and calls the situation “untenable,” endangering the delivery of justice and victim support. Un1té’s public awareness campaign in 50 cities aims to pressure political leaders, accused of favoring short-term communication over resolving the systemic failure. This case and the broader judicial delays expose significant challenges in holding law enforcement accountable and ensuring timely justice for victims across France.