VIDEO: Man hit in the head and thrown with force, controversy over the use of water cannons during the September 10 protests

The “Block Everything” movement that took place in Montpellier on September 10 was marked by scenes of tension and clashes between protesters and law enforcement. A particularly shocking video shows a man hit in the head with a high-pressure water jet, raising questions about the proportionality of the use of this method of repression. Although the prefecture claims to have complied with the law, the Observatory of Liberties and other organizations express serious concerns.

Shocking incident captured on video

At the heart of the “Block Everything” protest, one scene drew attention. In the middle of Place de la Comédie, a protester was violently struck in the head by a water cannon. The force of the jet threw the young, masked man several meters away, causing him to fall heavily to the ground. This attack sparked outrage and questions about the legitimacy of such a use of a law enforcement tool.

Controversial Use of Water Cannons

Traditionally, water cannons are a deterrent measure used by law enforcement to maintain calm during tense demonstrations. However, in Montpellier, their use was direct and without prior recourse to other, less violent methods. According to Sophie Mazas, a lawyer and influential member of the Montpellier Observatory of Freedoms, this action contradicts the 2017 instruction that prioritizes escalation in police intervention.

Reactions from Law Enforcement

Faced with these allegations, the Hérault prefecture insisted on compliance with the regulatory framework when using the water cannon. Baptiste Chauveau, head of the prefecture’s communications department, emphasized that all warnings were given before the device was used. He also affirmed that the water cannon never intentionally targets an individual, and that the impact on the protester was accidental.

Violence and Tensions Around the Demonstration

The demonstration was not only marked by this incident. Law enforcement also used tear gas grenades in response to projectiles thrown by protesters, including glass bottles, stones, and paving stones. According to David Augé of the Alliance Police union, the responses were a direct response to the threats, thus justifying their forceful intervention.

Analysis and Review by the Observatory of Liberties

Since the incident, the Observatory of Liberties has undertaken a thorough investigation of the day’s events. By reviewing videos and collecting testimonies, they seek to determine whether any abuses were committed by law enforcement. This initiative is part of a broader context of concerns about the balance between security and respect for fundamental rights.

To learn more about the context of this demonstration and its preparations, see the following articles:
Tensions in Montpellier,
September 10th Mobilization.