French President Emmanuel Macron Shocked After Watching Video Of French Police Beating A Black Man

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that he is shocked after seeing a video of a black man being beaten by French police. The video, which has also been posted online, shows 3 officers struggling with Michel Zecler in his music studio. They repeatedly punch and wrestle with the man until they are forced out of the room. The police then fire a tear-gas canister into the room causing those inside to flee. It is also alleged that racist remarks were also made during the arrest.

The police officers, who did not realise they were being filmed, claimed that they had been attacked by Zecler. Four officers have been suspended from duty.

Macron said in an online statement:

"Those whose job it is to apply the law should respect the law. The images we have all seen of the aggression against Michel Zecler are unacceptable, they are shameful for all of us. France should never allow violence or brutality, no matter who it comes from. France should never let hate or racism prosper."

Zecler, who is 41, has since told journalists:

"These people were supposed to protect me. I didn't do anything to deserve that. I want these people punished by the law. Of course I was afraid … it's lucky I have the videos to protect me. This shouldn't happen."

He also claimed:

"They called me 'dirty n****r' several times to my face while they punched me."

While his lawyer added:

"My client spent a completely unjustifiable 48 hours in police custody. If we didn't have the videos, my client might be in prison right now."

There has been considerable public outrage since the video was shared online and many French celebrities have now publicly spoken out against the actions of the police, including footballers Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann. Meanwhile, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the leftist party La France Insoumise, called for the resignation of the Paris police chief Didier Lallement.

This week has also seen the French police heavily criticised for the way in which they broke up a migrant camp made up of tents on the streets of Paris. The removal of the camp involved officers using truncheons and tear-gas as refugees and their allies jostled with law enforcement.