Dossier 137 (2025) Movie Script
THE FILM SHOWS FICTION INSPIRED BY FACTS
PARIS, DECEMBER 2018.
Turn left! Close ranks!
Do you recognize yourself?
Do you recognize yourself in this recording?
Not.
What are you doing?
I pick up a stone and throw it.
At the demonstrators?
Not.
Not at them, but towards them.
- We'll come back to this. - Did I hit anyone?
I'm the one asking the questions.
Are the protesters throwing flares in this video?
Not at this moment. But before then, yes.
Flares and insults. All day long.
A moment earlier, my commander had been hit with a paving stone.
He raised his visor to say something.
He got hit in the face.
The demonstrators applauded.
I see.
Let's go back to what you did.
How do you explain this?
I don't know.
I have been in service for 15 years. I have always acted ethically.
This is my first time undergoing an internal investigation.
I couldn't stand it.
Will they suspend me?
I don't know.
It depends on the outcome of the administrative proceedings.
Another investigator will question you.
I only know how to serve in the police.
He admits he did wrong. He was in shock. His commander was injured.
The video has gone viral. We need to take action.
An officer cannot throw stones.
This is repression using illegal weapons.
Serious offense.
Yes, but he admits his mistake. He regrets it. He didn't hurt anyone.
Let's take into account the context, fatigue...
His lawyer will bring this up during the trial.
Will you send me the report?
Not.
- Are you on weekend duty? - No. Office number 2.
Let's hope it's calmer than last week.
- Goodbye, Mrs. Bertrand. - Goodbye.
Another turbulent Saturday is behind us. We've already had a few lawsuits filed.
By the decision of the prosecutor's office, we will from now on consider
all complaints about the yellow vests.
Even those of lesser weight.
- Those under a week off? - Too.
Christelle's office is already overloaded.
I will assign the next cases to offices 1 and 2.
We already have 40 cases.
I know. Stephanie too. And Christelle is 50.
PERSONAL MATTER
At the hospital they told me to file a complaint.
- On behalf of my son, Guillaume. - Is he a minor?
He is 20 years old.
I understand. He's an adult. He has to report it himself.
He's in the hospital. In bad condition.
I'll take your statement. We'll wait until they allow us to question him.
I've never done this before.
Please describe what happened.
At Saturday's demonstration
a policeman shot him with a rubber bullet.
Shot with a non-lethal weapon. I understand.
- Are there any witnesses? - No.
I wasn't with my son when it happened.
We were together on the Champs Elysees, but a scuffle separated us.
Did you demonstrate with him?
Not.
We came as a family. Me and three children.
Antonin, the eldest, and Sonia, and Guillaume.
And Remi, Sonia's boyfriend.
He was with Guillaume then.
So you were separated and Remi was with Guillaume when it happened.
Did he tell you what it was like?
Yes. He found us,
when paramedics took the son to the hospital.
To which one?
W Bichat.
Did the rescuers take him there?
That's what Remi said.
I'll interview Remi.
- His name? - Cordier.
Where is he now?
He was detained.
By the policemen who shot?
No. He was arrested later. And tried.
- Immediate effect? - Yes.
Said it?
I don't know.
I didn't sleep much. I spent two nights in the hospital.
I don't know why they shot at my son.
They aimed for the head. He's not a hooligan.
He has a job. He's studying to be an electrician.
We demonstrated on behalf of public services.
They're closing everything in Saint-Dizier.
Are you from Saint-Dizier?
Not.
- Do you know? - Yes.
Although no. Never mind.
It's the same everywhere.
How?
They don't care about us.
We'll write it down.
- Mom, it's Stephanie. - How are you?
- Okay. - There's so much going on...
I can handle it.
Do you know anyone from the Girard family in Saint-Dizier?
Joelle Girard, 48. Three children in their twenties.
I don't know.
It's a common name around here. I'll ask my dad.
No. I was just curious.
- Why? - It's about work.
- Are you investigating them? - No. I deal with the police.
Aren't these policemen?
Let's leave it at that.
- Who are her parents? - I don't know. Come on.
How did you get there?
Come here.
What am I going to do with you?
When the cat is wet, I put him in the sink.
I'll wash it with dish soap.
I let him sit. I wash his fur thoroughly...
Barricades are being erected around the Champs Elysees,
and law enforcement forces are positioned on the famous avenue.
There are twice as many police in Paris as there were last week.
Armored vehicles of the gendarmerie took to the streets.
The government is holding its breath,
and the owners are trying to secure the stores
before being plundered.
The prefecture reassures traders,
and launches additional help lines.
Yes babe?
Am I interrupting?
No. Where are you?
In Dad's car. Some people are fighting.
Co?
Two guys were arguing. They started fighting. Look.
- You see? - Yes.
Oh, damn!
Stay in the car. Where's dad?
Wait.
Are you alone? Where's dad?
He runs.
Where are you?
In Choisy.
Dad wanted me to train with them for the marathon, but I had had enough.
I'm waiting in the car.
Who is with him?
Noelie, his new girlfriend. Also a cop.
Is he in the anti-drug squad with him?
No, but she keeps talking about the police. Do you want a picture of her?
NO.
What do I need this for?
To see what she looks like. I won't tell her.
NO...
That's not how it's done. I'm not curious. Wait.
I also have a new friend.
How sweet!
- Did you buy it? - No.
- I found it in the underground garage. - Will it stay?
I don't think so. It's a big responsibility.
- I'll take care of him. - Exactly!
We'll talk on Monday. Stay in the car. I'm calling dad.
You, Steph.
You left Viktor in the parking lot? Have you lost your mind?
Relax. He ran with us, but he got tired.
Two guys were fighting right next to the car.
What are you talking about? He could have called. Why is he calling you?
Maybe he didn't want to disturb you.
- Sure. I understand. - You don't understand.
Run with whoever you want.
But don't leave Viktor alone in the middle of nowhere.
I'm going back to the car. I'll check what's going on.
127 PEOPLE DETENTED
I, Stephanie Bertrand, IGPN Police Commander,
I am appealing to the authorities of Bichat Hospital
to provide me with information regarding the health of Guillaume Girard,
adopted on December 8, 2018,
and to inform me,
when it becomes possible to question him.
I am making a request
to the Paris emergency medical services
to send information about help
granted on December 8, 2018
a 20-year-old citizen named Guillaume Girard,
in the Arc de Triomphe sector.
I am turning to the Judgments Office with a request
to show me the prison where Remi Cordier is staying,
by virtue of the judgment of December 10, 2018
issued by the District Court of Paris.
We received a response from the emergency medical services.
It talks about the incident on Rue Magellan in Paris,
in the eighth administrative district.
We received a report from the Trauma Surgery Department at Bichat Hospital,
in response to our request.
It contains a medical description of the injuries suffered by Girard.
The skull was found to be fractured in five places.
and a dent in the left temple,
cerebral thrombosis, subarachnoid hemorrhage,
Hematomas and damage are the result of using RAM 40 ammunition.
Girard suffers from aphasia and post-traumatic stress disorder.
His participation in the hearing is currently impossible.
The application for a permit is attached.
to hear the inmate Remi Cordier as a witness,
and a request to indicate the date and time of the hearing
in the prison in Fleury-Merogis.
Good morning. Commander Bertrand from IGPN
that is, from the Police Internal Affairs Office. And this is Major Guerini.
We are investigating the circumstances of Guillaume Girard's injury.
According to his mother, you were with him at the time. Is that true?
Not.
We want to question you as a witness.
I don't even know how he feels.
His life is not in danger,
but his condition does not allow for questioning.
Will he have permanent injuries?
I don't know.
He did nothing and those bastards massacred him.
Tone it down.
And don't swear.
Did you find the dogs that did this?
- We're the ones asking the questions. - And maybe you'll believe me?
No one listened to me in court.
It lasted five minutes.
Only the report of one policeman counted.
He claimed I beat them.
That's not true!
We ask about what happened with Girard.
Your testimony will help us understand this.
If it's one word against another, it doesn't make sense.
Who were you with at the demonstration in Paris?
With Sonia, her brothers and her mother.
Sonia, Antonin, Guillaume i Joelle Girard?
We left in the morning.
We were the ones who came up with the idea.
The yellow vests are not our thing, but Mom and Remi are orderlies,
and I am a stretcher bearer.
We are tired of starvation wages.
We wanted to be a part of it. And there was an opportunity to visit Paris.
To the river!
Come on, mom!
To Paris!
Do you demonstrate often?
NO.
I was in Paris for the first time.
We left the car at some gate.
We didn't know where the demonstration was.
We walked along the Seine.
They checked our IDs several times.
Will you come with us?
Don't you feel like it?
Do not film!
We walked for a long time. My legs hurt.
We did some sightseeing along the way.
This is not Saint-Dizier though.
We joined the men in vests. They were heading towards the Champs Elysees.
There was already a crowd there.
We smelled tear gas. Something was happening at the Arc de Triomphe.
A helicopter was flying over. We were scared.
After some time we wanted to go back,
but the police blocked us.
Even though Macron doesn't want us, we will stand here.
They wouldn't let us go. They sprayed tear gas.
Come!
We hid in the laundry room.
They arrested someone. I was scared.
Move! Calm down!
It was getting dark.
We tried to return via the Champs Elysees.
It was impossible.
Tear gas everywhere. Panic broke out.
Guillaume and Remi disappeared.
We didn't know where they were.
We inadvertently separated ourselves from the rest.
Keep talking.
We were looking for the rest.
And then the police shot at us with rubber bullets.
Just like that? For no reason?
Not.
We were walking down the street and they came at the intersection, from the right.
I ran away. I thought Guillaume was running after me.
I saw he was gone, so I turned back.
Those dogs were gone.
Guillaume was lying on the ground.
His head was bloody.
I panicked. I called for help.
- Were they in uniform or civilian clothes? - Probably civilian clothes.
Did they have armbands?
I didn't see it.
Why do you conclude it was the police?
What kind of question is that?
They had guns that fired rubber bullets.
- Did you show them hostility? - No.
- No words or gestures? - No.
I ran and shouted for Guillaume to run too.
- Why? - I was scared. They took out their weapons.
You have acts of vandalism and theft on your record.
- or violence against law enforcement? - No.
Are you sure?
Not.
There are videos of burning cars on your phone.
Have you committed such acts of vandalism?
NO.
Does violence attract or fascinate you?
NO.
Why did you film these cars?
I don't know.
It was...
Co?
- I don't know. - Are you politically active?
That is?
Do you belong to extreme groups, left-wing or right-wing?
I don't know much about politics. This was my first demonstration.
You were arrested at 7:40 p.m., an hour after the incident,
for insults, disobedience and acts of violence.
Will you explain the circumstances?
I stayed to find the cops who shot at me.
- Why? - I was furious.
I wanted to find them.
Take photos or film them.
To have proof.
For what?
That they were there.
And then?
I found myself in front of a cordon with other demonstrators.
The police cut us off again and fired tear gas.
I was so angry that I started insulting them.
They jumped on me and pinned me to the ground.
I read that you beat policemen.
Untruth.
They were the ones who beat me.
One of the videos on your phone shows,
as paramedics treat Guillaume Girard.
Why did you film this?
To show how the dogs massacred him.
What happened?
- He was hit with a rubber bullet. - In the head?
Not.
He got it. We'll take him.
Lift it carefully.
Please do not disturb.
Was it here?
Here stood the rescuers.
There are no traces of blood.
The city's cleaning services washed them away.
- They cleaned up the entire neighborhood. - They haven't been idle.
This is the back of which hotel?
Prince of Wales.
We kindly ask you to provide us with the recordings.
from the following surveillance cameras,
from December 8, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.:
camera 08021
camera 08371,
camera 08115,
camera 73532,
camera 08118...
This is camera 08115, avenue Pierre de Serbie.
At the back of the clash, five people can be seen entering the rue Bizet.
The image is blurry,
but immediately afterwards they are filmed by a private clinic camera.
The time is correct. 6:17 PM CCTV and 6:18 PM - rue Bizet.
They are in civilian clothes, but wearing helmets.
Two of them seem to be carrying rubber bullet guns. The first one definitely is.
The other one seems to have protective gear on his legs. See?
At 6:22 p.m., they are seen on surveillance footage at the corner of Avenue Marceau.
You can't see the face, but the shoes and pants are the same.
You can see they're wearing leg protection. Three of them are armed with rubber bullets.
Two - telescopic tubes.
Weapons, weapons,
tube, tube,
weapon.
Here are their movements visualized on the map.
They walked this way until they reached Avenue Marceau, which was monitored.
Opposite rue Quentin Bauchart.
It is possible that they reached rue Magellan through it,
where Girard was wounded.
Return to rue Bizet.
What civilian units operated there at that time?
This is where things get complicated.
Mark and I reviewed all the reports.
Uniformed units are quite subordinate.
But the rest: BAC BRI, all civilian units,
They moved in the evening on their own initiative.
The prefecture and government requested reinforcements, but there was a lack of coordination.
There was a brothel there.
Your rank and function during the December 8 demonstration?
Police captain.
I commanded four commando units.
Police Major.
I commanded nine civilian units of the CSI Intervention Group
on the orders of Commander Baron.
Chief Commissioner.
I commanded the BRI - Investigation and Intervention Brigades.
The Main Command requested us to support mobile forces,
who have lost control of the situation.
I commanded the new rapid reaction units, i.e. the unit
composed of 25 officers of the suburban BAC forces
and from various police stations.
I'm a police major. I commanded BAC 92.
What did your tasks involve?
Preventing looting and locating aggressive units.
Tracking down vandals and people who attacked uniformed officers.
We were supposed to save the Republic and stop the uprising.
We were ordered to take part in the war effort.
Were those the instructions?
"Save the Republic and contribute to the war effort"?
Not.
Is maintaining order your usual task?
NO.
NO.
What do you usually do?
Don't you know the BRI mission?
Please answer.
Investigation and Intervention Brigades combat crime and terrorism.
Fighting urban crime and violence in public places.
Were you trained in maintaining public order?
NO.
Everything happened in a hurry.
The government acted in panic.
We were told to intervene. It was improvisation.
Some of us bought our equipment at Decathlon.
- What weapon did you have? - RAM 40 with rubber bullets.
GM2L grenades.
Service weapon.
Flash grenades and gas.
- Did you use a gun with rubber bullets? - Yes.
We were dealing with aggressive vandals.
Of course. Many times.
I gave permission for 60 shots.
Were any reports made on the use of weapons?
I have exempted my people from this due to the circumstances.
In this situation, notes are made after the action or the day after,
with an indication of the time range and wide geographical scope.
We did it the day after. Not for every shot.
It is your duty.
Yes. But there was no way.
It was impossible.
It was almost a revolution. It wasn't a classic intervention.
Did you injure any demonstrators? Did medics intervene?
I don't know anything about it.
I don't think so.
The units hit fled.
I didn't see any wounds.
I'll show you a photo taken that evening.
Could this be one of your units?
It's hard to see. But I don't think so.
NO.
Have you seen any groups that could be in these photos?
No. That doesn't tell me anything.
I don't remember.
NO.
Eric from Office 3 has photos that match our group.
He is investigating another case from December 8.
A reporter filmed the intervention on the corner of Vernet/Bassano.
Seven minutes after that,
as they passed the ATM on Avenue Marceau.
Here they are.
Same group. Same numbers, weapons, and details.
You can see them more clearly than in other recordings.
And they disappear. I'll bring them closer.
These two have guns that fire rubber bullets.
The third revealed his face.
The last one also has a gun.
When the third one lowers the balaclava...
Here...
You can see his face.
Now look.
If they were here at 6:22 p.m., they could have been here when Girard was injured,
They walked along Avenue Georges V
and reached the corner of Vernet/Bassano seven minutes later.
I made screenshots where you can see them best.
Do you see the helmets?
Good job.
Damn...
One!
It annoys me.
He throws it in a terrible way, but he hits it. I'm not talking about you. I wouldn't dare.
No. With the other hand.
I'm focusing.
Now that's pretty cool. Throw harder.
I'm going for a drink. Should I bring someone some?
I'll go with you.
My ex.
Four times the same.
- Oh, hi. - How are you?
Great. How are you? How are you?
- Noelie, Stephanie. - His ex.
- Viktor's mom? - That's right.
Can I ask you something?
- Do you work at IGPN? - Yes.
- And before that, in the drug investigation? - With Jeremy.
How can you change a department like that?
Prosecute colleagues instead of criminals?
- I'm curious. - I look at it differently.
Serious?
And I don't want to talk about it. I'd rather relax.
Sure. Relax.
We, trade unionists, want to support each other.
Cool.
Does it bother you that I'm in relationships?
Not at all.
We're defending our colleagues. We've had enough of the attacks.
These investigations of yours undermine the credibility of the police.
Rather the opposite...
Steph, your turn.
You are summoning me for the second time on a matter that does not concern us.
You're wasting your time and mine. We have important missions.
Nobody wants to waste time.
If you don't make things difficult, everything will go quickly.
Here are stills from the video shot on December 8th.
Are these BRI officers?
- I don't know. - One face is visible.
I don't know who that is.
- What do you think about helmets? - Nothing.
Three of them are Wendy used in BRI.
- I don't know anything about helmets. - These two are wearing illegal helmets.
You called me to talk about helmets?
During the previous hearing you said, and I quote:
"It was improvisation. Some of us bought our equipment at Decathlon."
- Do you confirm this? - I don't remember.
Here is the technical description of the Decathlon skateboard helmet.
What do we see when we compare it with these photos?
I have no idea.
They are similar, but we don't know if they are the same.
My people aren't the only ones who buy gear at Decathlon.
We check in all stores in the department,
who bought these helmets before the demonstration.
We will gain time,
if you tell me who is in the photos.
I can also call BRI officers one by one,
until we establish the identity of these officers.
But I don't want to interfere with the missions.
Will you come back?
Names of BRI officers,
delivered by Chief Inspector Frederic Picard,
are as follows: Clement Garcia, Michel Brzezenski, Arnaud Lavallee,
Sebastien Jacquet, Mickael Fages.
Mr. Garcia, do you recognize yourself in this shot?
Not.
You confirm that there are also officers here:
Fages, Jacquet, Lavallee i Brzezenski?
It's hard to recognize them.
Garcia and Lavallee. As for the rest, I'm not sure.
- Were you together on December 8? - Yes.
An important moment for BRI.
You're traveling in a small group. That's risky under the circumstances.
And rare.
We broke off to go to the restroom in the cafe.
It took us some time to get back.
- What cafe? - I don't remember.
- Where did you join the group? - On the Champs Elysees.
In which place?
Rather at the end.
What streets did you walk through?
Side ones. I don't know the names.
Surveillance footage captured you on Pierre de Serbie Avenue,
on rue Bizet, on rue Marceau and on rue Vernet.
What do you think about this?
I don't know this neighborhood. I didn't look at the street names.
But is your group on this recording?
It looks that way.
Did you have a RAM 40 weapon with you?
Not.
And who else?
Lavallee and Fages.
Did you use it while walking towards the Champs Elysees?
Possible.
Two or three times to scare away aggressive people.
Some wanted to fight us.
Did you hurt demonstrators?
Some of them definitely had bruises.
I'm talking about serious wounds.
I don't remember.
I don't think so.
At around 6:30 p.m., a young man was wounded in the head on rue Magellan.
What do you think about this?
This doesn't tell me anything.
I don't know what this is about.
Don't you remember how any of you
shot at two protesters?
- No. - But you were in this sector.
Possibly, but I don't remember.
A lot was happening.
Didn't you see the injured protester?
NO.
NO.
NO.
I don't remember.
They talk about tensions and shots,
but they do not situate them anywhere or describe them.
None of them remember the injured protester.
One of them probably shot and wounded Girard.
- Yes, but we don't know the circumstances. - Have you questioned Girard?
By correspondence. He's just regaining the ability to speak.
His version agrees with Cordier's.
Everything happened quickly and he was not aggressive.
- And what are your feelings? - I don't have them.
Our colleagues from BRI are not making our work easier,
but there is no indication that they acted outside the law.
It is difficult to determine the truth.
- How long will we spend in Saint-Dizier? - A week.
There is nothing there.
There are fighter jets.
Additional.
Grandma will spoil you.
She definitely made pasta casserole.
What is this Yogurt?
He's had enough of slavery.
Will you take the yellow vest out of the glove compartment?
Anger of the Yellow Vests! Angry citizens!
Victor, will you help?
Let him play with the cat.
Make videos. There are tons of them online.
Yogurt would be a success.
Buy a dishwasher, Dad.
I like washing up.
Sweet!
But they jump!
This one is funny.
He only watches videos. He almost doesn't talk to me.
So what?
Better than those horrors you see on TV.
If everyone watched kittens, the world would be a better place. Without violence.
They have billions of views, and violence exists and has always existed in the world.
These videos are stupid.
They help you think about something else.
When people lose their minds and democracy disappears,
you'll find that you've been watching too many kittens.
You have no heart.
He recently killed a mole. With a shovel.
Not.
He ruined the lawn.
You are aggressive.
Food, litter and what else?
Mineral water for grandma. I'll buy it.
Go get the food and litter. In the back, on the left.
Sorry!
We know you.
Are you following us?
Of course not.
So what are you doing?
- Shopping. - In Saint-Dizier?
Not.
You were watching us.
What for?
Are you spying on us?
I have no reason to.
Serious?
Weren't you the one who checked Guillaume's honesty?
And this nonsense on social media?
- That he deserved it. - He's not a criminal.
I have nothing to do with this. I'm not spying on you.
- I came to visit my parents. - What?
Yes. I was born here.
- You're making this up. - No.
I came with my son. We're doing some shopping.
- Ma'am, show me your ID. - What?
Documents.
I don't have my glasses. Check.
Born in Saint-Dizier.
And the parents?
Sylvie i Gerard Bertrand.
- Sylvie? - Thank you.
With Marnaval?
Do you know her?
Two years ago, she broke her wrist. I helped her.
See? I'm not lying.
How's the investigation going?
Nobody says anything.
It is in progress.
Preliminary arrangements are underway. I shouldn't be talking to you.
Why is it taking so long? Remi was sentenced after 10 minutes.
He was in prison. He lost his job. And he won't find another one.
You don't care. It's not your problem.
We don't care. Be patient.
- We've been waiting for several months. - Is the investigation progressing?
I can't say.
Sure.
Come on, Sonia. I feel like throwing up.
- How can you look in the mirror? - Come on.
Who is this?
- Yellow Vests? - No.
They had no vests.
Yellow Vests in civilian clothes.
I asked if you knew her.
- I know. - You said you didn't.
I forgot his name was Girard.
Maybe she didn't even say anything.
I only knew her name. Gisele, right?
To the river.
See? I don't remember.
Her son was reportedly beaten during a demonstration.
Are you doing this on purpose? Don't you associate it with my work?
- Are you investigating this case? - Who would you say?
I don't know. Calm down.
I'm calm. And you're not listening to me.
I'm listening.
I hope they don't mute it.
You know you're talking about my work!
Do you think I'm keeping things quiet? Quite the opposite!
Hearings, reports, motions,
and we have dozens of investigations like this!
I'm not saying anything.
You're talking. You're spouting nonsense. It's unbearable.
Do you know what the work of a law enforcement officer is like?
Do you know how many police officers were injured during the demonstration?
This is no reason to maim innocent people.
How do you know they're innocent? Were you there? You know nothing, so stay silent.
I remain silent.
But I can sympathize with this kid.
I would like to go to the Headquarters.
They deal with corruption there, not the same crap we deal with.
- Would you like to work for Decroly? - You wouldn't last a week.
I wanted to chase bad cops, not my buddies.
After each demonstration, new complaints come in.
Non-stop.
Initially, I agreed with the Yellow Vests. They're right, actually.
But they sailed.
No wonder the police are reacting.
They are sent to "save the Republic",
and then all the blame is placed on them.
Commanders talk to them like children.
Besides, nowadays no one even talks to children like that anymore.
And they get angry and take it out on missions.
One commissioner joked,
that guys act like they're playing video games.
They fired RAM weapons and shouted "voted"!
With every shot.
Viktor, turn off the light.
- He was hit with a rubber bullet. - In the head?
Not.
He got it. We'll take him.
Carefully.
Viktor!
Please do not disturb.
Turn off the light.
I will finish the chapter.
Then turn it off. Good night.
Mom...
Why does everyone hate the police?
That's not true. Not everyone. What are you saying?
You and Dad don't see it. But nobody likes the police.
Nonsense.
After the attacks, people clapped for us in the streets.
It was a long time ago.
NO.
Not.
Your friends don't like the police?
Not only that. I saw the tags.
- What? - [ACAB]. "Cops are mutts."
I know what that means.
Those who write this are morons.
You're right.
Many people say they hate the police.
But they don't constitute a majority. And they're also glad it exists.
That's not the point.
And what?
I told you. Nobody likes the police.
It's not about liking it. It's not a pleasant job.
When you demand compliance with the law, you make enemies.
It's about whether people trust the police.
Finish the chapter and turn it off.
- This window? - Yes.
Good morning.
We're from the police. We'd like to speak with management.
Please wait.
Two policemen were here a few months ago.
They took surveillance footage. They questioned the guests.
We have reports.
Mr. Santoni, you are from the police.
They are interested in the events of December 8 last year.
This is our security manager.
We are interested in the window overlooking rue Quentin Bauchart.
To.
Third floor. Maybe room 316.
Yes. It's an apartment.
There could have been a witness standing there. Who was occupying the room at the time?
We'll check.
Could you check if room 316 was occupied on December 8?
Not.
He was staying with a couple from Monaco. They left the next day.
Can you check if they were in the room around 6:30 PM?
When a guest swipes their card, we record it.
Several entries were recorded in the morning hours.
Last one at 10.30.
Then they left and were absent until 9:32 p.m.
Staff entered at 1:44 p.m. Probably cleaning service.
Then at 15:07 and the last time at 18:19.
- Evening service. - So?
The second shift staff prepares the room for bed.
They straighten the blankets, put on slippers, and put chocolates on the pillows.
Can you check which employee this is?
Each ID has its own code.
Alicia Mady.
Is he working today?
Yes. From 12:00 to 17:00.
Can we talk to her? And see the room?
If it is empty.
Service...
Please.
Mrs. Mady will be here soon.
I don't mean to be nosy, but how much does a night cost?
It depends on the season. Around 2,000 euros.
Two thousand?
Sorry.
Two thousand!
Santoni, security manager.
I don't know if we know each other. You're from the police.
Good morning, madam.
Please ask.
Thank you. Will you leave us?
All right.
If necessary, please let me know.
Come in.
We're from IGPN. Do you know what this is?
Not really.
We are investigating mistakes made by some police officers.
To put it simply, this does not apply to you.
It's about an incident that happened on this street.
On December 8th last year during a demonstration. Around 6:30 p.m.
Apparently you had an evening service here at the time.
Do you confirm this?
If they say so, it must have been so.
Someone was seriously injured then.
A complaint has been filed. We are trying to determine what happened.
I see.
- You were a witness... - No.
What did you see through the window?
- Who says I was looking out the window? - You're on our recording.
Please tell me what you saw.
Rescuers.
- Did you look before they arrived? - No.
Please start talking.
We're trying to determine what happened. Your testimony could help us.
I saw rescuers helping the injured man.
Did you see how he was injured?
I went to the window when I heard the sirens.
I understand your distrust. But this isn't an ambush.
I don't know what to say. I won't make anything up.
All right.
This is my business card in case you remember anything.
I'll add my private number. Please call anytime.
Thank you.
We played it wrong.
I don't think so.
She doesn't tell everything.
Call her to us. It usually works.
He will withdraw into himself even more.
Look.
What's that?
- Soap. - Did you steal it?
This is not theft.
- It smells nice. Do you want some? - No.
Are you sure? I took two.
Yes, Viktor?
I'm home. When will you be back?
I'm still working. I'll be back later.
I can't hear you.
I'll be back later.
Wait.
You are?
What's going on?
Nothing. I'll be back later.
I made dinner. It's getting cold.
- What did you make? - Quiche, as you ordered. And chicken nuggets.
I said one or the other. But it doesn't matter.
- Wait for you? - Eat without me.
Quiche or nuggets?
What do you prefer?
I have to finish.
Mrs. Mady?
Shall we talk?
- Shall we sit in a cafe? - I don't have time.
You have to help me.
I didn't see anything.
I don't believe you.
I'm not a liar.
No. But you're hiding something.
I have to go home.
- Will you come into my house too? - If necessary.
- Do you have the right? - No, but it's important.
I need to know what you saw.
I understand your fear.
You think your words are less important than the words of the police.
- I don't want any trouble with the police. - So you saw something.
- Nothing will happen to you. - How do you know?
You found me. They can too.
I will make sure that the guilty police officers do not repeat their mistakes.
Do you agree that they should be punished?
They always escape punishment.
- Where does this conclusion come from? - Because it is so.
I see what cops do to kids.
They provoke them, then arrest them.
Humiliation, beatings, false reports... Non-stop.
And no one ever punishes them.
I filmed this incident.
Did you film it?
Not.
There was noise in the street.
I saw people around the burning scooter.
I filmed it on my phone.
Out of curiosity.
And then the police came.
- Do you have this film? - Yes.
I wanted to post it online, but I changed my mind.
Nobody cares when they beat up blacks and Arabs.
And now white people have been beaten and everyone is interested.
Would you have found me if it weren't white?
Not.
I also investigate cases involving suburban police officers.
How many were convicted?
It's not up to us to decide. But a few remain.
Worst case scenario they got hinges.
Nobody wants to run afoul of the police.
How many lost their jobs?
No.
No?
Do you see?
Will you trust me with this video?
I have it at home.
I can go with you.
Trust should work both ways.
All right.
- Do you still have my business card? - Yes.
We both know it won't change anything.
This is not for you!
What's up, you filthy bastards? Are you all beat up? Let's go home.
What are you going to do? You're burned.
They're coming! Run!
Get lost!
Run!
Hi.
Benoit!
- Come on, I'll show you something. - I'm coming.
What's up, you filthy bastards? Are you all beat up? Let's go home.
What are you going to do? You're burned.
They're coming! Run!
Get lost!
Run!
Guillaume!
Will you play it from the beginning?
Where are Girard and Cordier?
They're coming from above. Look.
- Aren't they with those guys? - No. They're walking calmly down the street.
They're coming here! Get lost!
They face BRI officers.
Remi on the left, Guillaume on the right.
You can see he's holding a phone.
- Two fired. - Yes.
Look at the gun.
They shoot simultaneously.
- Two shots, one mark. - Yes.
Two of them shoot at the fleeing man.
They can't say it was self-defense.
- They were hit with a can of beer. - Earlier. No one threatened them here.
Girard turns around, running.
Are you sure?
Show.
He turns to see what they are doing.
But he turns around.
And that justifies the shooting? He's running away, not threatening.
I didn't say that. But they can use it.
In my opinion, this is repression. Some idiot is provoking them,
and they shoot at a random guy.
There was also a kick.
What are they doing?
This is an exaggeration.
And they go away.
Take it easy.
Massacre.
Can you tell them apart?
Not.
Fages kicks him. Lavallee stands nearby. Here are Jacquet and Garcia.
Brzezenski is lower.
- So Fages and Lavallee were shooting? - Yes.
- Is the recording online? - The witness did not publish it.
That's good. We'll work in peace.
Did you call those policemen?
Three of them reside outside metropolitan France.
Where?
They were sent to Mayotte.
To Brzezenski, Jacquet i Garcia.
Tough luck. Interrogate the main suspects: Lavallee and Fages.
Arrest them?
I didn't take that into account.
They lied.
If we don't surprise them, they can deceive us.
You're reversing the roles.
Usually the prosecutor's office wants an arrest, but the investigators delay.
The suspects don't know about the recording. I wanted to confront them.
If you interrogate them at the same time, they will not communicate.
Please reach an agreement with the team.
Yes Sir.
Goodbye.
Lavallee is waiting downstairs.
A Fages?
He won't come.
- What? - He's on sick leave.
- Is this some kind of joke? - What are we doing?
Should I send Lavallee home and tell him to come back with Fages?
Bring him in.
You claim that you don't remember the protester who was shot.
Do you stand by your testimony?
Not.
You didn't fire the shot that wounded the demonstrator around 6:30 p.m.?
- No. - Nor any of your colleagues?
I don't know anything about it.
I'll show you the recording.
Do you remember now?
Not very detailed.
Can you describe what you see in the video?
The ringleader is seen shouting insults and throwing something.
He runs away at the sight of us.
Our group turns and sees two hostile individuals.
Fages and I shoot to protect our colleagues.
How do you conclude that these people behaved hostilely?
Every demonstrator behaved hostilely.
They will say something different.
Listening to them, it is difficult to say who was attacking the law enforcement forces,
who plundered shops and ruined streets.
I'm talking about these two people.
What was dangerous about their behavior?
What justified the shot?
The shot must be a necessity proportional to the threat.
They were running away.
So they had something on their conscience.
One turns to throw something dangerous at us.
- At what point does it become visible? - When he turns around.
This is not visible in the recording.
From my perspective, it was clear. He was dangerous.
I didn't want to get hit in the face with a metal rivet.
In a self-defense situation, you need to react quickly.
Without a doubt.
But you didn't have terrorists in front of you,
but two defenseless demonstrators.
- You say so. - You can see it in the film.
Many demonstrators behaved like beasts.
And you can kill with a rivet.
It seems to me an exaggeration to talk about Girard,
that he behaved like a beast.
He turns and runs away.
What did you do after you fired the shot and he was already on the ground?
I don't remember. I think we moved on.
Did you know he suffered a head injury? Seriously.
I didn't get that impression. And I wasn't aiming for the head.
So it was Fages who shot Girard in the head?
I didn't say that. I'm saying I wasn't aiming. And neither was my friend.
So, after you fired the shot, you moved on?
Not.
I'll show you the sequel.
What do you see?
It's not very clear.
It looks like my friend is pushing him away slightly with his foot.
- That's a kick. - I don't know. Maybe.
I don't remember this.
Do you think what Fages is doing is justified?
Was Girard a threat at that time?
I don't know.
Maybe he thought he could pick something up off the ground and didn't want to take the risk.
You'd have to ask him. I can't answer for him.
And how?
He reads the report.
He says he shot in self-defense,
he didn't aim for the head and didn't see the wounds.
- And the kick? - He claims he didn't see it.
After leaving, he will call Fages and tell him about the recording.
Not.
We need to stop him and call Fages.
I'm calling the prosecutor's office.
This is Commander Bertrand speaking. I'd like to speak with Prosecutor Langlois, please.
I need permission to arrest you.
Okay, I'll try on my phone.
And this is supposed to be a "special line"? He left for family reasons.
He doesn't answer.
This is Commander Bertrand speaking.
Please call me. It's about Lavallee and Fages.
- Call the duty judge. - It would take too long to explain.
- Can I go? - No.
- Why? - You're under arrest.
I'm listening?
For an intentional act of violence by a public official.
You have the right to choose a lawyer, or we will assign one to you ex officio.
You also have the right to a doctor's visit.
- Is this a joke? - Do I look like I'm joking?
I, Commander Stephanie Bertrand, as part of the preliminary investigation,
using Article 75 and the Code of Criminal Procedure,
in the presence of Major Benoit Guerini and First Class Carole Delarue,
based on a witness summons
pursuant to the relevant article of the Penal Code,
dotaram pod numer 5, rue Pasteur w Limeil-Brevannes,
at 1:15 p.m.
We rang the doorbell of a single-family home.
It was opened by a male person,
matching the description of Mickael Fages.
After confirming citizen Fages' identity,
we proceeded with the arrest.
We informed him that the arrest warrant was issued.
and information about his rights will be provided to him immediately.
Stephanie!
What kind of arrest is this without the prosecutor's consent?
I had to act quickly. Langlois was unavailable.
- He finally called back and gave his consent. - So everything's okay?
Absolute.
Do you confirm that you and Lavallee shot Girard?
Not.
Did you get it?
I don't know.
The footage shows that he was hit.
- Yes. - He has a serious head injury.
I wasn't aiming for the head. That's not allowed.
How far are you from Girard?
About 20 meters.
14. At this distance the margin of error is 4 cm.
So one of you must have aimed for the head.
We need to check the rubber bullet gun. Maybe it was out of adjustment.
This would explain the deviation from the trajectory.
You fired a lot of shots that day. You would have noticed.
Maybe it was faulty ammunition.
I know I wasn't aiming for the head.
There is no evidence that my client shot Girard.
What did you do when the demonstrator fell?
I don't remember.
Please recall.
All right.
I'll show you the sequel.
Please describe what you see.
I'm listening.
And...
I see myself swinging my leg to free myself,
because he wanted to grab me and probably knock me down.
Do you see that Girard wants to grab your leg?
The image is blurry.
In my opinion, very clear.
I felt him grab my leg.
Girard lies curled up.
It doesn't move.
The man walks up to him and kicks him.
While he lies there and is obviously injured.
I don't see him injured.
He lost his balance because the bullet could have hit him in the chest.
He holds his head and can't get up.
After firing the shot, you should check
whether the person hit was injured.
I repeat: I don't think he's injured.
He didn't scream. I didn't see any blood.
Otherwise I would have helped him.
Has he already performed?
Not yet.
Apparently you took the BRI guys to task.
- Do we have to talk about this now? - We do. Did you take it?
Not alone. Such decisions are made with the prosecutor's assistance.
You're taking my word for it. This is your investigation.
You've lost your mind. BRI? After the Bataclan attack?
- I know. - They're heroes.
They take risks while you warm your butts at your desks.
You should be ashamed.
Change the subject. I hear this song all day long.
- Then maybe think about it. - And do they think about it?
BRI does not give them the right to behave like cowboys.
Cowboys?
They didn't turn this town into the Wild West.
You're completely crazy. Do you believe hooligans?
Do you know the case?
I heard that the main witness was convicted of robbery.
Sleep with a woman from a relationship, but don't repeat her words.
Leave Noelie out of this.
Viktor is afraid to say that he has parents in the police.
His friend's father asked what school I taught at.
I didn't understand.
"My son said you're a PE teacher. I teach French."
I didn't dare correct it. Can you imagine?
He's ashamed to say I'm a cop. And you're fueling hatred towards the police.
Nonsense. I'm investigating. As always.
You used to be different.
If you had reported to the IGPN, I would have stayed in the anti-drug department.
You were happy that I had time to take care of Viktor.
I also preferred the anti-drug one!
Investigating colleagues is not fun,
but those who misbehave must be punished.
Put yourself in their place!
I do this all the time.
But explaining to those who messed up and walking on the string of relationships will make
that decent cops will quit their jobs.
Only jerks will remain.
For many months the government has been demanding that officers
to risk their lives in the fight against hooligans,
who harm the Republic.
Our colleagues are facing chaos and rebellion.
Today we learned that our colleagues from BRI,
who do not have to prove their courage to anyone,
they were arrested like ordinary criminals.
This decision will not ease the feeling of anxiety,
so common in our ranks.
The police have had enough of this.
The government must understand that we are reaching a critical point.
And when we are gone,
no one will protect the Republic anymore.
- What's going on? - We're letting them out.
What is it about?
Higher command has arrived. They are waiting for you.
I asked the prosecutor's office for permission to withdraw the arrest.
We need support from unions,
now, during the constant mobilization of our forces.
Fages and Lavallee have lied to us repeatedly.
Fages tried to avoid questioning by using delaying tactics.
Bringing him in by force was justified.
Thank you. I know the Code.
I understand your intention to extend your detention.
But they can respond freely.
This changes the balance of power. You know it well.
These are serious offenses. The footage shows
that it was not self-defense or a riposte.
If the recording says so much, maybe the arrest wasn't necessary.
We need to determine which of them injured Girard.
It was necessary to maintain pressure by extending the detention.
There is no arrest.
I hope you know other ways to conduct an investigation.
Have you ordered a ballistics report?
A reconstruction of the events will take place next week.
Great. The investigation will move forward.
Let me be clear.
We cannot expose ourselves to the wrath of an entire professional group.
The management thinks so too. And the ministry.
The ballistics expert and the medical expert agree,
that due to the similar height of both officers,
close-up shooting angles and Guillaume Girard's movement,
it is impossible to determine which of them hit him in the head,
causing serious wounds.
SAINT-DIZIER IS PISSED
Pani Girard...
Good morning.
I wanted to talk to you. Even though I shouldn't.
Can I come in?
The preliminary investigation has been completed.
I'll contact your lawyer. But I wanted to talk to you first.
What for?
To give you an explanation.
We have established the identity of the policemen who shot.
We have shown that they did not respect the principles of necessity and proportion.
They are therefore guilty.
However, it is impossible to determine which one injured your son's head.
It had to be one of them. They'll charge them both.
NO.
I don't understand.
There were two simultaneous shots. But only one hit Guillaume.
Ballistic and medical examinations did not reveal whose bullet it was.
Both scored. Both are guilty.
From a legal point of view, it's not that simple.
So no one will be punished because we don't know who hurt him?
I know it's hard to accept.
Guillaume will remain crippled.
They ruined his life.
And no one will be punished?
The person who kicked your son will be held accountable for the act of violence,
which did not lead to temporary dismissal from work.
Wasn't he expelled?
NO.
And their commanders? Someone has to be responsible.
No order can be considered unjustified.
The police were supposed to keep aggressive demonstrators in check
- by any means. - The son was not aggressive.
I know.
And that doesn't change anything?
NO.
What did you come here for?
I want to say,
that I did everything in my power,
to establish the truth.
You did your job well, but what good was it?
What's the use?
- Did you call for me? - Yes. Please close the door.
There is a problem.
What?
You should have told me you knew the Girard family.
I don't know them.
- They are related to you by blood. - No.
We come from one city.
I didn't know them before I started working on this case.
Are you sure? Saint-Dizier is a small town.
But not a village after all.
You have nothing in common with them?
Girard's mother took care of mine three years ago.
But I didn't know that from the beginning.
So you have something in common.
Maybe. But it didn't affect the investigation.
Should I take your word for it?
I focused on looking for evidence.
The mistakes of BRI officers are objectively serious.
It doesn't matter.
You have some connection with the Girard family, so you acted biased.
- Biased? - Yes.
There is a principle of impartiality and equality.
Without them there is no justice.
From the point of view of professional ethics, you understand that this is a problem.
This unconsciously influenced your approach to the matter.
It gave direction to your choices.
You have more empathy for the plaintiff and understand him better.
You're from the same town. That had an impact too. It's a human instinct...
You are right.
It's very human.
And it has undoubtedly changed my approach.
If I weren't from the same "town",
if nothing connected me with them,
I probably would have abandoned this matter earlier.
I would never have gotten my hands on the incriminating footage.
I would settle for two contradictory versions.
I would be less inclined to believe the victim and her family,
and I would probably agree with the officers' version.
Yes, I was born in Saint-Dizier.
And Guillaume Girard's mother actually met mine.
But I've been working in the police for 20 years.
My son's father is a police officer. And so are my friends.
I investigate the cases of colleagues.
I know their lives, the lack of recognition and contempt they face.
Difficulty in maintaining order, complexity and thanklessness of their work.
Isn't that bias anymore?
It all depends on the point of view.
If every other point of view is deemed hostile, then what?
How are we supposed to live together?
I don't know anymore.
I was born in Saint-Dizier, like the Girard family.
And I'm a cop, like those who shot young Girard.
I am both.
And I hope someone else.
A solid investigator.
A good friend.
And a pretty cool mother. That's all.
You are right to some extent.
But when we follow our hearts, we make mistakes.
At what point do we start following our hearts?
If it goes to trial,
the defense may learn about this, in your opinion, trivial connection.
They could discredit the investigation. And all our work.
You should have told me about this.
Someone else would have taken over the investigation. And they wouldn't have followed their heart.
Please don't get offended.
I don't know if the victim will file a civil lawsuit.
In any case, you will be removed from the case.
You must demonstrate exemplary professional ethics.
I arranged it so that you will avoid administrative proceedings.
Administrative proceedings?
Will I suffer the consequences?
I guarantee you won't carry them.
Are you serious?
- What are you laughing at? - I'm watching videos.
All good?
Yes. Everything is fine.
Hi.
My name is Guillaume Girard.
A year ago, police officers shot me with a gun fired at me with rubber bullets.
One of the bullets hit me in the head and damaged my skull.
I spent a lot of time in the hospital.
I couldn't speak for several weeks.
I had to relearn with the help of a speech therapist.
Doctors say my brain will never recover.
I can't concentrate.
I can't think.
I forget everything.
I get migraines.
Sometimes I lose my nerve.
I'm getting aggressive.
I became a burden to my mother.
I don't understand why the police shot at me.
They say I wanted to throw something, but that's not true. They're lying.
I didn't do anything.
I think about them all the time.
I try not to feel hatred.
I try to think positively.
But it's difficult.
Come on, mom!
TEXT COMMISSIONED BY MONOLITH FILMS: MAGDALENA KAMISKA-MAURUGEON
PARIS, DECEMBER 2018.
Turn left! Close ranks!
Do you recognize yourself?
Do you recognize yourself in this recording?
Not.
What are you doing?
I pick up a stone and throw it.
At the demonstrators?
Not.
Not at them, but towards them.
- We'll come back to this. - Did I hit anyone?
I'm the one asking the questions.
Are the protesters throwing flares in this video?
Not at this moment. But before then, yes.
Flares and insults. All day long.
A moment earlier, my commander had been hit with a paving stone.
He raised his visor to say something.
He got hit in the face.
The demonstrators applauded.
I see.
Let's go back to what you did.
How do you explain this?
I don't know.
I have been in service for 15 years. I have always acted ethically.
This is my first time undergoing an internal investigation.
I couldn't stand it.
Will they suspend me?
I don't know.
It depends on the outcome of the administrative proceedings.
Another investigator will question you.
I only know how to serve in the police.
He admits he did wrong. He was in shock. His commander was injured.
The video has gone viral. We need to take action.
An officer cannot throw stones.
This is repression using illegal weapons.
Serious offense.
Yes, but he admits his mistake. He regrets it. He didn't hurt anyone.
Let's take into account the context, fatigue...
His lawyer will bring this up during the trial.
Will you send me the report?
Not.
- Are you on weekend duty? - No. Office number 2.
Let's hope it's calmer than last week.
- Goodbye, Mrs. Bertrand. - Goodbye.
Another turbulent Saturday is behind us. We've already had a few lawsuits filed.
By the decision of the prosecutor's office, we will from now on consider
all complaints about the yellow vests.
Even those of lesser weight.
- Those under a week off? - Too.
Christelle's office is already overloaded.
I will assign the next cases to offices 1 and 2.
We already have 40 cases.
I know. Stephanie too. And Christelle is 50.
PERSONAL MATTER
At the hospital they told me to file a complaint.
- On behalf of my son, Guillaume. - Is he a minor?
He is 20 years old.
I understand. He's an adult. He has to report it himself.
He's in the hospital. In bad condition.
I'll take your statement. We'll wait until they allow us to question him.
I've never done this before.
Please describe what happened.
At Saturday's demonstration
a policeman shot him with a rubber bullet.
Shot with a non-lethal weapon. I understand.
- Are there any witnesses? - No.
I wasn't with my son when it happened.
We were together on the Champs Elysees, but a scuffle separated us.
Did you demonstrate with him?
Not.
We came as a family. Me and three children.
Antonin, the eldest, and Sonia, and Guillaume.
And Remi, Sonia's boyfriend.
He was with Guillaume then.
So you were separated and Remi was with Guillaume when it happened.
Did he tell you what it was like?
Yes. He found us,
when paramedics took the son to the hospital.
To which one?
W Bichat.
Did the rescuers take him there?
That's what Remi said.
I'll interview Remi.
- His name? - Cordier.
Where is he now?
He was detained.
By the policemen who shot?
No. He was arrested later. And tried.
- Immediate effect? - Yes.
Said it?
I don't know.
I didn't sleep much. I spent two nights in the hospital.
I don't know why they shot at my son.
They aimed for the head. He's not a hooligan.
He has a job. He's studying to be an electrician.
We demonstrated on behalf of public services.
They're closing everything in Saint-Dizier.
Are you from Saint-Dizier?
Not.
- Do you know? - Yes.
Although no. Never mind.
It's the same everywhere.
How?
They don't care about us.
We'll write it down.
- Mom, it's Stephanie. - How are you?
- Okay. - There's so much going on...
I can handle it.
Do you know anyone from the Girard family in Saint-Dizier?
Joelle Girard, 48. Three children in their twenties.
I don't know.
It's a common name around here. I'll ask my dad.
No. I was just curious.
- Why? - It's about work.
- Are you investigating them? - No. I deal with the police.
Aren't these policemen?
Let's leave it at that.
- Who are her parents? - I don't know. Come on.
How did you get there?
Come here.
What am I going to do with you?
When the cat is wet, I put him in the sink.
I'll wash it with dish soap.
I let him sit. I wash his fur thoroughly...
Barricades are being erected around the Champs Elysees,
and law enforcement forces are positioned on the famous avenue.
There are twice as many police in Paris as there were last week.
Armored vehicles of the gendarmerie took to the streets.
The government is holding its breath,
and the owners are trying to secure the stores
before being plundered.
The prefecture reassures traders,
and launches additional help lines.
Yes babe?
Am I interrupting?
No. Where are you?
In Dad's car. Some people are fighting.
Co?
Two guys were arguing. They started fighting. Look.
- You see? - Yes.
Oh, damn!
Stay in the car. Where's dad?
Wait.
Are you alone? Where's dad?
He runs.
Where are you?
In Choisy.
Dad wanted me to train with them for the marathon, but I had had enough.
I'm waiting in the car.
Who is with him?
Noelie, his new girlfriend. Also a cop.
Is he in the anti-drug squad with him?
No, but she keeps talking about the police. Do you want a picture of her?
NO.
What do I need this for?
To see what she looks like. I won't tell her.
NO...
That's not how it's done. I'm not curious. Wait.
I also have a new friend.
How sweet!
- Did you buy it? - No.
- I found it in the underground garage. - Will it stay?
I don't think so. It's a big responsibility.
- I'll take care of him. - Exactly!
We'll talk on Monday. Stay in the car. I'm calling dad.
You, Steph.
You left Viktor in the parking lot? Have you lost your mind?
Relax. He ran with us, but he got tired.
Two guys were fighting right next to the car.
What are you talking about? He could have called. Why is he calling you?
Maybe he didn't want to disturb you.
- Sure. I understand. - You don't understand.
Run with whoever you want.
But don't leave Viktor alone in the middle of nowhere.
I'm going back to the car. I'll check what's going on.
127 PEOPLE DETENTED
I, Stephanie Bertrand, IGPN Police Commander,
I am appealing to the authorities of Bichat Hospital
to provide me with information regarding the health of Guillaume Girard,
adopted on December 8, 2018,
and to inform me,
when it becomes possible to question him.
I am making a request
to the Paris emergency medical services
to send information about help
granted on December 8, 2018
a 20-year-old citizen named Guillaume Girard,
in the Arc de Triomphe sector.
I am turning to the Judgments Office with a request
to show me the prison where Remi Cordier is staying,
by virtue of the judgment of December 10, 2018
issued by the District Court of Paris.
We received a response from the emergency medical services.
It talks about the incident on Rue Magellan in Paris,
in the eighth administrative district.
We received a report from the Trauma Surgery Department at Bichat Hospital,
in response to our request.
It contains a medical description of the injuries suffered by Girard.
The skull was found to be fractured in five places.
and a dent in the left temple,
cerebral thrombosis, subarachnoid hemorrhage,
Hematomas and damage are the result of using RAM 40 ammunition.
Girard suffers from aphasia and post-traumatic stress disorder.
His participation in the hearing is currently impossible.
The application for a permit is attached.
to hear the inmate Remi Cordier as a witness,
and a request to indicate the date and time of the hearing
in the prison in Fleury-Merogis.
Good morning. Commander Bertrand from IGPN
that is, from the Police Internal Affairs Office. And this is Major Guerini.
We are investigating the circumstances of Guillaume Girard's injury.
According to his mother, you were with him at the time. Is that true?
Not.
We want to question you as a witness.
I don't even know how he feels.
His life is not in danger,
but his condition does not allow for questioning.
Will he have permanent injuries?
I don't know.
He did nothing and those bastards massacred him.
Tone it down.
And don't swear.
Did you find the dogs that did this?
- We're the ones asking the questions. - And maybe you'll believe me?
No one listened to me in court.
It lasted five minutes.
Only the report of one policeman counted.
He claimed I beat them.
That's not true!
We ask about what happened with Girard.
Your testimony will help us understand this.
If it's one word against another, it doesn't make sense.
Who were you with at the demonstration in Paris?
With Sonia, her brothers and her mother.
Sonia, Antonin, Guillaume i Joelle Girard?
We left in the morning.
We were the ones who came up with the idea.
The yellow vests are not our thing, but Mom and Remi are orderlies,
and I am a stretcher bearer.
We are tired of starvation wages.
We wanted to be a part of it. And there was an opportunity to visit Paris.
To the river!
Come on, mom!
To Paris!
Do you demonstrate often?
NO.
I was in Paris for the first time.
We left the car at some gate.
We didn't know where the demonstration was.
We walked along the Seine.
They checked our IDs several times.
Will you come with us?
Don't you feel like it?
Do not film!
We walked for a long time. My legs hurt.
We did some sightseeing along the way.
This is not Saint-Dizier though.
We joined the men in vests. They were heading towards the Champs Elysees.
There was already a crowd there.
We smelled tear gas. Something was happening at the Arc de Triomphe.
A helicopter was flying over. We were scared.
After some time we wanted to go back,
but the police blocked us.
Even though Macron doesn't want us, we will stand here.
They wouldn't let us go. They sprayed tear gas.
Come!
We hid in the laundry room.
They arrested someone. I was scared.
Move! Calm down!
It was getting dark.
We tried to return via the Champs Elysees.
It was impossible.
Tear gas everywhere. Panic broke out.
Guillaume and Remi disappeared.
We didn't know where they were.
We inadvertently separated ourselves from the rest.
Keep talking.
We were looking for the rest.
And then the police shot at us with rubber bullets.
Just like that? For no reason?
Not.
We were walking down the street and they came at the intersection, from the right.
I ran away. I thought Guillaume was running after me.
I saw he was gone, so I turned back.
Those dogs were gone.
Guillaume was lying on the ground.
His head was bloody.
I panicked. I called for help.
- Were they in uniform or civilian clothes? - Probably civilian clothes.
Did they have armbands?
I didn't see it.
Why do you conclude it was the police?
What kind of question is that?
They had guns that fired rubber bullets.
- Did you show them hostility? - No.
- No words or gestures? - No.
I ran and shouted for Guillaume to run too.
- Why? - I was scared. They took out their weapons.
You have acts of vandalism and theft on your record.
- or violence against law enforcement? - No.
Are you sure?
Not.
There are videos of burning cars on your phone.
Have you committed such acts of vandalism?
NO.
Does violence attract or fascinate you?
NO.
Why did you film these cars?
I don't know.
It was...
Co?
- I don't know. - Are you politically active?
That is?
Do you belong to extreme groups, left-wing or right-wing?
I don't know much about politics. This was my first demonstration.
You were arrested at 7:40 p.m., an hour after the incident,
for insults, disobedience and acts of violence.
Will you explain the circumstances?
I stayed to find the cops who shot at me.
- Why? - I was furious.
I wanted to find them.
Take photos or film them.
To have proof.
For what?
That they were there.
And then?
I found myself in front of a cordon with other demonstrators.
The police cut us off again and fired tear gas.
I was so angry that I started insulting them.
They jumped on me and pinned me to the ground.
I read that you beat policemen.
Untruth.
They were the ones who beat me.
One of the videos on your phone shows,
as paramedics treat Guillaume Girard.
Why did you film this?
To show how the dogs massacred him.
What happened?
- He was hit with a rubber bullet. - In the head?
Not.
He got it. We'll take him.
Lift it carefully.
Please do not disturb.
Was it here?
Here stood the rescuers.
There are no traces of blood.
The city's cleaning services washed them away.
- They cleaned up the entire neighborhood. - They haven't been idle.
This is the back of which hotel?
Prince of Wales.
We kindly ask you to provide us with the recordings.
from the following surveillance cameras,
from December 8, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.:
camera 08021
camera 08371,
camera 08115,
camera 73532,
camera 08118...
This is camera 08115, avenue Pierre de Serbie.
At the back of the clash, five people can be seen entering the rue Bizet.
The image is blurry,
but immediately afterwards they are filmed by a private clinic camera.
The time is correct. 6:17 PM CCTV and 6:18 PM - rue Bizet.
They are in civilian clothes, but wearing helmets.
Two of them seem to be carrying rubber bullet guns. The first one definitely is.
The other one seems to have protective gear on his legs. See?
At 6:22 p.m., they are seen on surveillance footage at the corner of Avenue Marceau.
You can't see the face, but the shoes and pants are the same.
You can see they're wearing leg protection. Three of them are armed with rubber bullets.
Two - telescopic tubes.
Weapons, weapons,
tube, tube,
weapon.
Here are their movements visualized on the map.
They walked this way until they reached Avenue Marceau, which was monitored.
Opposite rue Quentin Bauchart.
It is possible that they reached rue Magellan through it,
where Girard was wounded.
Return to rue Bizet.
What civilian units operated there at that time?
This is where things get complicated.
Mark and I reviewed all the reports.
Uniformed units are quite subordinate.
But the rest: BAC BRI, all civilian units,
They moved in the evening on their own initiative.
The prefecture and government requested reinforcements, but there was a lack of coordination.
There was a brothel there.
Your rank and function during the December 8 demonstration?
Police captain.
I commanded four commando units.
Police Major.
I commanded nine civilian units of the CSI Intervention Group
on the orders of Commander Baron.
Chief Commissioner.
I commanded the BRI - Investigation and Intervention Brigades.
The Main Command requested us to support mobile forces,
who have lost control of the situation.
I commanded the new rapid reaction units, i.e. the unit
composed of 25 officers of the suburban BAC forces
and from various police stations.
I'm a police major. I commanded BAC 92.
What did your tasks involve?
Preventing looting and locating aggressive units.
Tracking down vandals and people who attacked uniformed officers.
We were supposed to save the Republic and stop the uprising.
We were ordered to take part in the war effort.
Were those the instructions?
"Save the Republic and contribute to the war effort"?
Not.
Is maintaining order your usual task?
NO.
NO.
What do you usually do?
Don't you know the BRI mission?
Please answer.
Investigation and Intervention Brigades combat crime and terrorism.
Fighting urban crime and violence in public places.
Were you trained in maintaining public order?
NO.
Everything happened in a hurry.
The government acted in panic.
We were told to intervene. It was improvisation.
Some of us bought our equipment at Decathlon.
- What weapon did you have? - RAM 40 with rubber bullets.
GM2L grenades.
Service weapon.
Flash grenades and gas.
- Did you use a gun with rubber bullets? - Yes.
We were dealing with aggressive vandals.
Of course. Many times.
I gave permission for 60 shots.
Were any reports made on the use of weapons?
I have exempted my people from this due to the circumstances.
In this situation, notes are made after the action or the day after,
with an indication of the time range and wide geographical scope.
We did it the day after. Not for every shot.
It is your duty.
Yes. But there was no way.
It was impossible.
It was almost a revolution. It wasn't a classic intervention.
Did you injure any demonstrators? Did medics intervene?
I don't know anything about it.
I don't think so.
The units hit fled.
I didn't see any wounds.
I'll show you a photo taken that evening.
Could this be one of your units?
It's hard to see. But I don't think so.
NO.
Have you seen any groups that could be in these photos?
No. That doesn't tell me anything.
I don't remember.
NO.
Eric from Office 3 has photos that match our group.
He is investigating another case from December 8.
A reporter filmed the intervention on the corner of Vernet/Bassano.
Seven minutes after that,
as they passed the ATM on Avenue Marceau.
Here they are.
Same group. Same numbers, weapons, and details.
You can see them more clearly than in other recordings.
And they disappear. I'll bring them closer.
These two have guns that fire rubber bullets.
The third revealed his face.
The last one also has a gun.
When the third one lowers the balaclava...
Here...
You can see his face.
Now look.
If they were here at 6:22 p.m., they could have been here when Girard was injured,
They walked along Avenue Georges V
and reached the corner of Vernet/Bassano seven minutes later.
I made screenshots where you can see them best.
Do you see the helmets?
Good job.
Damn...
One!
It annoys me.
He throws it in a terrible way, but he hits it. I'm not talking about you. I wouldn't dare.
No. With the other hand.
I'm focusing.
Now that's pretty cool. Throw harder.
I'm going for a drink. Should I bring someone some?
I'll go with you.
My ex.
Four times the same.
- Oh, hi. - How are you?
Great. How are you? How are you?
- Noelie, Stephanie. - His ex.
- Viktor's mom? - That's right.
Can I ask you something?
- Do you work at IGPN? - Yes.
- And before that, in the drug investigation? - With Jeremy.
How can you change a department like that?
Prosecute colleagues instead of criminals?
- I'm curious. - I look at it differently.
Serious?
And I don't want to talk about it. I'd rather relax.
Sure. Relax.
We, trade unionists, want to support each other.
Cool.
Does it bother you that I'm in relationships?
Not at all.
We're defending our colleagues. We've had enough of the attacks.
These investigations of yours undermine the credibility of the police.
Rather the opposite...
Steph, your turn.
You are summoning me for the second time on a matter that does not concern us.
You're wasting your time and mine. We have important missions.
Nobody wants to waste time.
If you don't make things difficult, everything will go quickly.
Here are stills from the video shot on December 8th.
Are these BRI officers?
- I don't know. - One face is visible.
I don't know who that is.
- What do you think about helmets? - Nothing.
Three of them are Wendy used in BRI.
- I don't know anything about helmets. - These two are wearing illegal helmets.
You called me to talk about helmets?
During the previous hearing you said, and I quote:
"It was improvisation. Some of us bought our equipment at Decathlon."
- Do you confirm this? - I don't remember.
Here is the technical description of the Decathlon skateboard helmet.
What do we see when we compare it with these photos?
I have no idea.
They are similar, but we don't know if they are the same.
My people aren't the only ones who buy gear at Decathlon.
We check in all stores in the department,
who bought these helmets before the demonstration.
We will gain time,
if you tell me who is in the photos.
I can also call BRI officers one by one,
until we establish the identity of these officers.
But I don't want to interfere with the missions.
Will you come back?
Names of BRI officers,
delivered by Chief Inspector Frederic Picard,
are as follows: Clement Garcia, Michel Brzezenski, Arnaud Lavallee,
Sebastien Jacquet, Mickael Fages.
Mr. Garcia, do you recognize yourself in this shot?
Not.
You confirm that there are also officers here:
Fages, Jacquet, Lavallee i Brzezenski?
It's hard to recognize them.
Garcia and Lavallee. As for the rest, I'm not sure.
- Were you together on December 8? - Yes.
An important moment for BRI.
You're traveling in a small group. That's risky under the circumstances.
And rare.
We broke off to go to the restroom in the cafe.
It took us some time to get back.
- What cafe? - I don't remember.
- Where did you join the group? - On the Champs Elysees.
In which place?
Rather at the end.
What streets did you walk through?
Side ones. I don't know the names.
Surveillance footage captured you on Pierre de Serbie Avenue,
on rue Bizet, on rue Marceau and on rue Vernet.
What do you think about this?
I don't know this neighborhood. I didn't look at the street names.
But is your group on this recording?
It looks that way.
Did you have a RAM 40 weapon with you?
Not.
And who else?
Lavallee and Fages.
Did you use it while walking towards the Champs Elysees?
Possible.
Two or three times to scare away aggressive people.
Some wanted to fight us.
Did you hurt demonstrators?
Some of them definitely had bruises.
I'm talking about serious wounds.
I don't remember.
I don't think so.
At around 6:30 p.m., a young man was wounded in the head on rue Magellan.
What do you think about this?
This doesn't tell me anything.
I don't know what this is about.
Don't you remember how any of you
shot at two protesters?
- No. - But you were in this sector.
Possibly, but I don't remember.
A lot was happening.
Didn't you see the injured protester?
NO.
NO.
NO.
I don't remember.
They talk about tensions and shots,
but they do not situate them anywhere or describe them.
None of them remember the injured protester.
One of them probably shot and wounded Girard.
- Yes, but we don't know the circumstances. - Have you questioned Girard?
By correspondence. He's just regaining the ability to speak.
His version agrees with Cordier's.
Everything happened quickly and he was not aggressive.
- And what are your feelings? - I don't have them.
Our colleagues from BRI are not making our work easier,
but there is no indication that they acted outside the law.
It is difficult to determine the truth.
- How long will we spend in Saint-Dizier? - A week.
There is nothing there.
There are fighter jets.
Additional.
Grandma will spoil you.
She definitely made pasta casserole.
What is this Yogurt?
He's had enough of slavery.
Will you take the yellow vest out of the glove compartment?
Anger of the Yellow Vests! Angry citizens!
Victor, will you help?
Let him play with the cat.
Make videos. There are tons of them online.
Yogurt would be a success.
Buy a dishwasher, Dad.
I like washing up.
Sweet!
But they jump!
This one is funny.
He only watches videos. He almost doesn't talk to me.
So what?
Better than those horrors you see on TV.
If everyone watched kittens, the world would be a better place. Without violence.
They have billions of views, and violence exists and has always existed in the world.
These videos are stupid.
They help you think about something else.
When people lose their minds and democracy disappears,
you'll find that you've been watching too many kittens.
You have no heart.
He recently killed a mole. With a shovel.
Not.
He ruined the lawn.
You are aggressive.
Food, litter and what else?
Mineral water for grandma. I'll buy it.
Go get the food and litter. In the back, on the left.
Sorry!
We know you.
Are you following us?
Of course not.
So what are you doing?
- Shopping. - In Saint-Dizier?
Not.
You were watching us.
What for?
Are you spying on us?
I have no reason to.
Serious?
Weren't you the one who checked Guillaume's honesty?
And this nonsense on social media?
- That he deserved it. - He's not a criminal.
I have nothing to do with this. I'm not spying on you.
- I came to visit my parents. - What?
Yes. I was born here.
- You're making this up. - No.
I came with my son. We're doing some shopping.
- Ma'am, show me your ID. - What?
Documents.
I don't have my glasses. Check.
Born in Saint-Dizier.
And the parents?
Sylvie i Gerard Bertrand.
- Sylvie? - Thank you.
With Marnaval?
Do you know her?
Two years ago, she broke her wrist. I helped her.
See? I'm not lying.
How's the investigation going?
Nobody says anything.
It is in progress.
Preliminary arrangements are underway. I shouldn't be talking to you.
Why is it taking so long? Remi was sentenced after 10 minutes.
He was in prison. He lost his job. And he won't find another one.
You don't care. It's not your problem.
We don't care. Be patient.
- We've been waiting for several months. - Is the investigation progressing?
I can't say.
Sure.
Come on, Sonia. I feel like throwing up.
- How can you look in the mirror? - Come on.
Who is this?
- Yellow Vests? - No.
They had no vests.
Yellow Vests in civilian clothes.
I asked if you knew her.
- I know. - You said you didn't.
I forgot his name was Girard.
Maybe she didn't even say anything.
I only knew her name. Gisele, right?
To the river.
See? I don't remember.
Her son was reportedly beaten during a demonstration.
Are you doing this on purpose? Don't you associate it with my work?
- Are you investigating this case? - Who would you say?
I don't know. Calm down.
I'm calm. And you're not listening to me.
I'm listening.
I hope they don't mute it.
You know you're talking about my work!
Do you think I'm keeping things quiet? Quite the opposite!
Hearings, reports, motions,
and we have dozens of investigations like this!
I'm not saying anything.
You're talking. You're spouting nonsense. It's unbearable.
Do you know what the work of a law enforcement officer is like?
Do you know how many police officers were injured during the demonstration?
This is no reason to maim innocent people.
How do you know they're innocent? Were you there? You know nothing, so stay silent.
I remain silent.
But I can sympathize with this kid.
I would like to go to the Headquarters.
They deal with corruption there, not the same crap we deal with.
- Would you like to work for Decroly? - You wouldn't last a week.
I wanted to chase bad cops, not my buddies.
After each demonstration, new complaints come in.
Non-stop.
Initially, I agreed with the Yellow Vests. They're right, actually.
But they sailed.
No wonder the police are reacting.
They are sent to "save the Republic",
and then all the blame is placed on them.
Commanders talk to them like children.
Besides, nowadays no one even talks to children like that anymore.
And they get angry and take it out on missions.
One commissioner joked,
that guys act like they're playing video games.
They fired RAM weapons and shouted "voted"!
With every shot.
Viktor, turn off the light.
- He was hit with a rubber bullet. - In the head?
Not.
He got it. We'll take him.
Carefully.
Viktor!
Please do not disturb.
Turn off the light.
I will finish the chapter.
Then turn it off. Good night.
Mom...
Why does everyone hate the police?
That's not true. Not everyone. What are you saying?
You and Dad don't see it. But nobody likes the police.
Nonsense.
After the attacks, people clapped for us in the streets.
It was a long time ago.
NO.
Not.
Your friends don't like the police?
Not only that. I saw the tags.
- What? - [ACAB]. "Cops are mutts."
I know what that means.
Those who write this are morons.
You're right.
Many people say they hate the police.
But they don't constitute a majority. And they're also glad it exists.
That's not the point.
And what?
I told you. Nobody likes the police.
It's not about liking it. It's not a pleasant job.
When you demand compliance with the law, you make enemies.
It's about whether people trust the police.
Finish the chapter and turn it off.
- This window? - Yes.
Good morning.
We're from the police. We'd like to speak with management.
Please wait.
Two policemen were here a few months ago.
They took surveillance footage. They questioned the guests.
We have reports.
Mr. Santoni, you are from the police.
They are interested in the events of December 8 last year.
This is our security manager.
We are interested in the window overlooking rue Quentin Bauchart.
To.
Third floor. Maybe room 316.
Yes. It's an apartment.
There could have been a witness standing there. Who was occupying the room at the time?
We'll check.
Could you check if room 316 was occupied on December 8?
Not.
He was staying with a couple from Monaco. They left the next day.
Can you check if they were in the room around 6:30 PM?
When a guest swipes their card, we record it.
Several entries were recorded in the morning hours.
Last one at 10.30.
Then they left and were absent until 9:32 p.m.
Staff entered at 1:44 p.m. Probably cleaning service.
Then at 15:07 and the last time at 18:19.
- Evening service. - So?
The second shift staff prepares the room for bed.
They straighten the blankets, put on slippers, and put chocolates on the pillows.
Can you check which employee this is?
Each ID has its own code.
Alicia Mady.
Is he working today?
Yes. From 12:00 to 17:00.
Can we talk to her? And see the room?
If it is empty.
Service...
Please.
Mrs. Mady will be here soon.
I don't mean to be nosy, but how much does a night cost?
It depends on the season. Around 2,000 euros.
Two thousand?
Sorry.
Two thousand!
Santoni, security manager.
I don't know if we know each other. You're from the police.
Good morning, madam.
Please ask.
Thank you. Will you leave us?
All right.
If necessary, please let me know.
Come in.
We're from IGPN. Do you know what this is?
Not really.
We are investigating mistakes made by some police officers.
To put it simply, this does not apply to you.
It's about an incident that happened on this street.
On December 8th last year during a demonstration. Around 6:30 p.m.
Apparently you had an evening service here at the time.
Do you confirm this?
If they say so, it must have been so.
Someone was seriously injured then.
A complaint has been filed. We are trying to determine what happened.
I see.
- You were a witness... - No.
What did you see through the window?
- Who says I was looking out the window? - You're on our recording.
Please tell me what you saw.
Rescuers.
- Did you look before they arrived? - No.
Please start talking.
We're trying to determine what happened. Your testimony could help us.
I saw rescuers helping the injured man.
Did you see how he was injured?
I went to the window when I heard the sirens.
I understand your distrust. But this isn't an ambush.
I don't know what to say. I won't make anything up.
All right.
This is my business card in case you remember anything.
I'll add my private number. Please call anytime.
Thank you.
We played it wrong.
I don't think so.
She doesn't tell everything.
Call her to us. It usually works.
He will withdraw into himself even more.
Look.
What's that?
- Soap. - Did you steal it?
This is not theft.
- It smells nice. Do you want some? - No.
Are you sure? I took two.
Yes, Viktor?
I'm home. When will you be back?
I'm still working. I'll be back later.
I can't hear you.
I'll be back later.
Wait.
You are?
What's going on?
Nothing. I'll be back later.
I made dinner. It's getting cold.
- What did you make? - Quiche, as you ordered. And chicken nuggets.
I said one or the other. But it doesn't matter.
- Wait for you? - Eat without me.
Quiche or nuggets?
What do you prefer?
I have to finish.
Mrs. Mady?
Shall we talk?
- Shall we sit in a cafe? - I don't have time.
You have to help me.
I didn't see anything.
I don't believe you.
I'm not a liar.
No. But you're hiding something.
I have to go home.
- Will you come into my house too? - If necessary.
- Do you have the right? - No, but it's important.
I need to know what you saw.
I understand your fear.
You think your words are less important than the words of the police.
- I don't want any trouble with the police. - So you saw something.
- Nothing will happen to you. - How do you know?
You found me. They can too.
I will make sure that the guilty police officers do not repeat their mistakes.
Do you agree that they should be punished?
They always escape punishment.
- Where does this conclusion come from? - Because it is so.
I see what cops do to kids.
They provoke them, then arrest them.
Humiliation, beatings, false reports... Non-stop.
And no one ever punishes them.
I filmed this incident.
Did you film it?
Not.
There was noise in the street.
I saw people around the burning scooter.
I filmed it on my phone.
Out of curiosity.
And then the police came.
- Do you have this film? - Yes.
I wanted to post it online, but I changed my mind.
Nobody cares when they beat up blacks and Arabs.
And now white people have been beaten and everyone is interested.
Would you have found me if it weren't white?
Not.
I also investigate cases involving suburban police officers.
How many were convicted?
It's not up to us to decide. But a few remain.
Worst case scenario they got hinges.
Nobody wants to run afoul of the police.
How many lost their jobs?
No.
No?
Do you see?
Will you trust me with this video?
I have it at home.
I can go with you.
Trust should work both ways.
All right.
- Do you still have my business card? - Yes.
We both know it won't change anything.
This is not for you!
What's up, you filthy bastards? Are you all beat up? Let's go home.
What are you going to do? You're burned.
They're coming! Run!
Get lost!
Run!
Hi.
Benoit!
- Come on, I'll show you something. - I'm coming.
What's up, you filthy bastards? Are you all beat up? Let's go home.
What are you going to do? You're burned.
They're coming! Run!
Get lost!
Run!
Guillaume!
Will you play it from the beginning?
Where are Girard and Cordier?
They're coming from above. Look.
- Aren't they with those guys? - No. They're walking calmly down the street.
They're coming here! Get lost!
They face BRI officers.
Remi on the left, Guillaume on the right.
You can see he's holding a phone.
- Two fired. - Yes.
Look at the gun.
They shoot simultaneously.
- Two shots, one mark. - Yes.
Two of them shoot at the fleeing man.
They can't say it was self-defense.
- They were hit with a can of beer. - Earlier. No one threatened them here.
Girard turns around, running.
Are you sure?
Show.
He turns to see what they are doing.
But he turns around.
And that justifies the shooting? He's running away, not threatening.
I didn't say that. But they can use it.
In my opinion, this is repression. Some idiot is provoking them,
and they shoot at a random guy.
There was also a kick.
What are they doing?
This is an exaggeration.
And they go away.
Take it easy.
Massacre.
Can you tell them apart?
Not.
Fages kicks him. Lavallee stands nearby. Here are Jacquet and Garcia.
Brzezenski is lower.
- So Fages and Lavallee were shooting? - Yes.
- Is the recording online? - The witness did not publish it.
That's good. We'll work in peace.
Did you call those policemen?
Three of them reside outside metropolitan France.
Where?
They were sent to Mayotte.
To Brzezenski, Jacquet i Garcia.
Tough luck. Interrogate the main suspects: Lavallee and Fages.
Arrest them?
I didn't take that into account.
They lied.
If we don't surprise them, they can deceive us.
You're reversing the roles.
Usually the prosecutor's office wants an arrest, but the investigators delay.
The suspects don't know about the recording. I wanted to confront them.
If you interrogate them at the same time, they will not communicate.
Please reach an agreement with the team.
Yes Sir.
Goodbye.
Lavallee is waiting downstairs.
A Fages?
He won't come.
- What? - He's on sick leave.
- Is this some kind of joke? - What are we doing?
Should I send Lavallee home and tell him to come back with Fages?
Bring him in.
You claim that you don't remember the protester who was shot.
Do you stand by your testimony?
Not.
You didn't fire the shot that wounded the demonstrator around 6:30 p.m.?
- No. - Nor any of your colleagues?
I don't know anything about it.
I'll show you the recording.
Do you remember now?
Not very detailed.
Can you describe what you see in the video?
The ringleader is seen shouting insults and throwing something.
He runs away at the sight of us.
Our group turns and sees two hostile individuals.
Fages and I shoot to protect our colleagues.
How do you conclude that these people behaved hostilely?
Every demonstrator behaved hostilely.
They will say something different.
Listening to them, it is difficult to say who was attacking the law enforcement forces,
who plundered shops and ruined streets.
I'm talking about these two people.
What was dangerous about their behavior?
What justified the shot?
The shot must be a necessity proportional to the threat.
They were running away.
So they had something on their conscience.
One turns to throw something dangerous at us.
- At what point does it become visible? - When he turns around.
This is not visible in the recording.
From my perspective, it was clear. He was dangerous.
I didn't want to get hit in the face with a metal rivet.
In a self-defense situation, you need to react quickly.
Without a doubt.
But you didn't have terrorists in front of you,
but two defenseless demonstrators.
- You say so. - You can see it in the film.
Many demonstrators behaved like beasts.
And you can kill with a rivet.
It seems to me an exaggeration to talk about Girard,
that he behaved like a beast.
He turns and runs away.
What did you do after you fired the shot and he was already on the ground?
I don't remember. I think we moved on.
Did you know he suffered a head injury? Seriously.
I didn't get that impression. And I wasn't aiming for the head.
So it was Fages who shot Girard in the head?
I didn't say that. I'm saying I wasn't aiming. And neither was my friend.
So, after you fired the shot, you moved on?
Not.
I'll show you the sequel.
What do you see?
It's not very clear.
It looks like my friend is pushing him away slightly with his foot.
- That's a kick. - I don't know. Maybe.
I don't remember this.
Do you think what Fages is doing is justified?
Was Girard a threat at that time?
I don't know.
Maybe he thought he could pick something up off the ground and didn't want to take the risk.
You'd have to ask him. I can't answer for him.
And how?
He reads the report.
He says he shot in self-defense,
he didn't aim for the head and didn't see the wounds.
- And the kick? - He claims he didn't see it.
After leaving, he will call Fages and tell him about the recording.
Not.
We need to stop him and call Fages.
I'm calling the prosecutor's office.
This is Commander Bertrand speaking. I'd like to speak with Prosecutor Langlois, please.
I need permission to arrest you.
Okay, I'll try on my phone.
And this is supposed to be a "special line"? He left for family reasons.
He doesn't answer.
This is Commander Bertrand speaking.
Please call me. It's about Lavallee and Fages.
- Call the duty judge. - It would take too long to explain.
- Can I go? - No.
- Why? - You're under arrest.
I'm listening?
For an intentional act of violence by a public official.
You have the right to choose a lawyer, or we will assign one to you ex officio.
You also have the right to a doctor's visit.
- Is this a joke? - Do I look like I'm joking?
I, Commander Stephanie Bertrand, as part of the preliminary investigation,
using Article 75 and the Code of Criminal Procedure,
in the presence of Major Benoit Guerini and First Class Carole Delarue,
based on a witness summons
pursuant to the relevant article of the Penal Code,
dotaram pod numer 5, rue Pasteur w Limeil-Brevannes,
at 1:15 p.m.
We rang the doorbell of a single-family home.
It was opened by a male person,
matching the description of Mickael Fages.
After confirming citizen Fages' identity,
we proceeded with the arrest.
We informed him that the arrest warrant was issued.
and information about his rights will be provided to him immediately.
Stephanie!
What kind of arrest is this without the prosecutor's consent?
I had to act quickly. Langlois was unavailable.
- He finally called back and gave his consent. - So everything's okay?
Absolute.
Do you confirm that you and Lavallee shot Girard?
Not.
Did you get it?
I don't know.
The footage shows that he was hit.
- Yes. - He has a serious head injury.
I wasn't aiming for the head. That's not allowed.
How far are you from Girard?
About 20 meters.
14. At this distance the margin of error is 4 cm.
So one of you must have aimed for the head.
We need to check the rubber bullet gun. Maybe it was out of adjustment.
This would explain the deviation from the trajectory.
You fired a lot of shots that day. You would have noticed.
Maybe it was faulty ammunition.
I know I wasn't aiming for the head.
There is no evidence that my client shot Girard.
What did you do when the demonstrator fell?
I don't remember.
Please recall.
All right.
I'll show you the sequel.
Please describe what you see.
I'm listening.
And...
I see myself swinging my leg to free myself,
because he wanted to grab me and probably knock me down.
Do you see that Girard wants to grab your leg?
The image is blurry.
In my opinion, very clear.
I felt him grab my leg.
Girard lies curled up.
It doesn't move.
The man walks up to him and kicks him.
While he lies there and is obviously injured.
I don't see him injured.
He lost his balance because the bullet could have hit him in the chest.
He holds his head and can't get up.
After firing the shot, you should check
whether the person hit was injured.
I repeat: I don't think he's injured.
He didn't scream. I didn't see any blood.
Otherwise I would have helped him.
Has he already performed?
Not yet.
Apparently you took the BRI guys to task.
- Do we have to talk about this now? - We do. Did you take it?
Not alone. Such decisions are made with the prosecutor's assistance.
You're taking my word for it. This is your investigation.
You've lost your mind. BRI? After the Bataclan attack?
- I know. - They're heroes.
They take risks while you warm your butts at your desks.
You should be ashamed.
Change the subject. I hear this song all day long.
- Then maybe think about it. - And do they think about it?
BRI does not give them the right to behave like cowboys.
Cowboys?
They didn't turn this town into the Wild West.
You're completely crazy. Do you believe hooligans?
Do you know the case?
I heard that the main witness was convicted of robbery.
Sleep with a woman from a relationship, but don't repeat her words.
Leave Noelie out of this.
Viktor is afraid to say that he has parents in the police.
His friend's father asked what school I taught at.
I didn't understand.
"My son said you're a PE teacher. I teach French."
I didn't dare correct it. Can you imagine?
He's ashamed to say I'm a cop. And you're fueling hatred towards the police.
Nonsense. I'm investigating. As always.
You used to be different.
If you had reported to the IGPN, I would have stayed in the anti-drug department.
You were happy that I had time to take care of Viktor.
I also preferred the anti-drug one!
Investigating colleagues is not fun,
but those who misbehave must be punished.
Put yourself in their place!
I do this all the time.
But explaining to those who messed up and walking on the string of relationships will make
that decent cops will quit their jobs.
Only jerks will remain.
For many months the government has been demanding that officers
to risk their lives in the fight against hooligans,
who harm the Republic.
Our colleagues are facing chaos and rebellion.
Today we learned that our colleagues from BRI,
who do not have to prove their courage to anyone,
they were arrested like ordinary criminals.
This decision will not ease the feeling of anxiety,
so common in our ranks.
The police have had enough of this.
The government must understand that we are reaching a critical point.
And when we are gone,
no one will protect the Republic anymore.
- What's going on? - We're letting them out.
What is it about?
Higher command has arrived. They are waiting for you.
I asked the prosecutor's office for permission to withdraw the arrest.
We need support from unions,
now, during the constant mobilization of our forces.
Fages and Lavallee have lied to us repeatedly.
Fages tried to avoid questioning by using delaying tactics.
Bringing him in by force was justified.
Thank you. I know the Code.
I understand your intention to extend your detention.
But they can respond freely.
This changes the balance of power. You know it well.
These are serious offenses. The footage shows
that it was not self-defense or a riposte.
If the recording says so much, maybe the arrest wasn't necessary.
We need to determine which of them injured Girard.
It was necessary to maintain pressure by extending the detention.
There is no arrest.
I hope you know other ways to conduct an investigation.
Have you ordered a ballistics report?
A reconstruction of the events will take place next week.
Great. The investigation will move forward.
Let me be clear.
We cannot expose ourselves to the wrath of an entire professional group.
The management thinks so too. And the ministry.
The ballistics expert and the medical expert agree,
that due to the similar height of both officers,
close-up shooting angles and Guillaume Girard's movement,
it is impossible to determine which of them hit him in the head,
causing serious wounds.
SAINT-DIZIER IS PISSED
Pani Girard...
Good morning.
I wanted to talk to you. Even though I shouldn't.
Can I come in?
The preliminary investigation has been completed.
I'll contact your lawyer. But I wanted to talk to you first.
What for?
To give you an explanation.
We have established the identity of the policemen who shot.
We have shown that they did not respect the principles of necessity and proportion.
They are therefore guilty.
However, it is impossible to determine which one injured your son's head.
It had to be one of them. They'll charge them both.
NO.
I don't understand.
There were two simultaneous shots. But only one hit Guillaume.
Ballistic and medical examinations did not reveal whose bullet it was.
Both scored. Both are guilty.
From a legal point of view, it's not that simple.
So no one will be punished because we don't know who hurt him?
I know it's hard to accept.
Guillaume will remain crippled.
They ruined his life.
And no one will be punished?
The person who kicked your son will be held accountable for the act of violence,
which did not lead to temporary dismissal from work.
Wasn't he expelled?
NO.
And their commanders? Someone has to be responsible.
No order can be considered unjustified.
The police were supposed to keep aggressive demonstrators in check
- by any means. - The son was not aggressive.
I know.
And that doesn't change anything?
NO.
What did you come here for?
I want to say,
that I did everything in my power,
to establish the truth.
You did your job well, but what good was it?
What's the use?
- Did you call for me? - Yes. Please close the door.
There is a problem.
What?
You should have told me you knew the Girard family.
I don't know them.
- They are related to you by blood. - No.
We come from one city.
I didn't know them before I started working on this case.
Are you sure? Saint-Dizier is a small town.
But not a village after all.
You have nothing in common with them?
Girard's mother took care of mine three years ago.
But I didn't know that from the beginning.
So you have something in common.
Maybe. But it didn't affect the investigation.
Should I take your word for it?
I focused on looking for evidence.
The mistakes of BRI officers are objectively serious.
It doesn't matter.
You have some connection with the Girard family, so you acted biased.
- Biased? - Yes.
There is a principle of impartiality and equality.
Without them there is no justice.
From the point of view of professional ethics, you understand that this is a problem.
This unconsciously influenced your approach to the matter.
It gave direction to your choices.
You have more empathy for the plaintiff and understand him better.
You're from the same town. That had an impact too. It's a human instinct...
You are right.
It's very human.
And it has undoubtedly changed my approach.
If I weren't from the same "town",
if nothing connected me with them,
I probably would have abandoned this matter earlier.
I would never have gotten my hands on the incriminating footage.
I would settle for two contradictory versions.
I would be less inclined to believe the victim and her family,
and I would probably agree with the officers' version.
Yes, I was born in Saint-Dizier.
And Guillaume Girard's mother actually met mine.
But I've been working in the police for 20 years.
My son's father is a police officer. And so are my friends.
I investigate the cases of colleagues.
I know their lives, the lack of recognition and contempt they face.
Difficulty in maintaining order, complexity and thanklessness of their work.
Isn't that bias anymore?
It all depends on the point of view.
If every other point of view is deemed hostile, then what?
How are we supposed to live together?
I don't know anymore.
I was born in Saint-Dizier, like the Girard family.
And I'm a cop, like those who shot young Girard.
I am both.
And I hope someone else.
A solid investigator.
A good friend.
And a pretty cool mother. That's all.
You are right to some extent.
But when we follow our hearts, we make mistakes.
At what point do we start following our hearts?
If it goes to trial,
the defense may learn about this, in your opinion, trivial connection.
They could discredit the investigation. And all our work.
You should have told me about this.
Someone else would have taken over the investigation. And they wouldn't have followed their heart.
Please don't get offended.
I don't know if the victim will file a civil lawsuit.
In any case, you will be removed from the case.
You must demonstrate exemplary professional ethics.
I arranged it so that you will avoid administrative proceedings.
Administrative proceedings?
Will I suffer the consequences?
I guarantee you won't carry them.
Are you serious?
- What are you laughing at? - I'm watching videos.
All good?
Yes. Everything is fine.
Hi.
My name is Guillaume Girard.
A year ago, police officers shot me with a gun fired at me with rubber bullets.
One of the bullets hit me in the head and damaged my skull.
I spent a lot of time in the hospital.
I couldn't speak for several weeks.
I had to relearn with the help of a speech therapist.
Doctors say my brain will never recover.
I can't concentrate.
I can't think.
I forget everything.
I get migraines.
Sometimes I lose my nerve.
I'm getting aggressive.
I became a burden to my mother.
I don't understand why the police shot at me.
They say I wanted to throw something, but that's not true. They're lying.
I didn't do anything.
I think about them all the time.
I try not to feel hatred.
I try to think positively.
But it's difficult.
Come on, mom!
TEXT COMMISSIONED BY MONOLITH FILMS: MAGDALENA KAMISKA-MAURUGEON