French protesters demand justice for black man who died in police custody

People in France have staged a rally in the capital city, Paris, to demand justice for Adama Traore, a black man who died in police custody in July.

The demonstrators chanted “No justice, no peace” and “Cops everywhere, justice nowhere” as they marched against police brutality in downtown Paris on Saturday.

Traore’s family members were also present at the rally and were carrying a banner reading, “Let us stand against the impunity of the police.”

“Today, we march for Adama, for justice, for truth,” said Adama’s sister, Assa.

The  24-year-old, black man died of asphyxiation on July 9, according to an autopsy report, which contradicted a police report that cited infection as the cause of his death. His family claim he was in good health at the time of his arrest and was “beaten to death” by police after being taken into custody on charges of obstructing the arrest of his brother, who was wanted in an extortion case.

Despite the autopsy, the exact cause of death of the young man could not be determined with certainty.

Local authorities said Traore had “fainted during the ride” to the police station, and the paramedics who were called to the scene were unable to revive him.

When arrested, the young man had been held down under “the weight of the body” of three officers, according to a source close to the investigation.

The three police officers suspected of causing the death of Adama Traore could face charges of assault leading to death without intention to kill.

Traore’s death has triggered a wave of protests.

The Saturday protest came as French security forces have already been busy for months with terror attacks and anti-government protest rallies in the country.