Police officer released after 40 days of detention for allegedly injuring man in southern France

By Nur Asena Erturk

A police officer suspected of injuring a young man in southern France during protests was released Friday after spending 40 days in detention, according to media reports.

The protester, identified as Hedi, was shot in the head with a riot gun and beaten unconscious by several men he assumed were undercover police officers the night of July 1 - 2.

After waking up in the hospital, he alleged that the group had left him for dead after the assault.

Four police officers were indicted for the assault but only Christophe I. was put into pre-trial custody, according to the Le Figaro newspaper.

The officer was released under judicial supervision and is prohibited from practicing his profession.

The investigations continue to determine the circumstances of Hedi's injury, said Le Figaro.

Protests erupted in France in late June when a police officer fatally shot and killed Nahel M., 17, during a traffic check in the Paris suburb of Nanterre. The incident reportedly occurred after he ignored orders to stop.

Following Nahel's killing, thousands took to the streets across France, including in Paris, Marseille and Lyon. Incidents of looting reportedly took place during the protests.

Colleagues took sick leave to protest the judiciary procedure against the Marseille police officer.