French president's aide questioned by police for allegedly beating protester, impersonating an officer

He could be charged for violence by a public official.

July 20, 2018, 8:00 AM

Police questioned an aide to French President Emmanuel Macron Friday after he was apparently caught on video impersonating a police officer while hitting and stomping a Paris demonstrator earlier this year.

The video, published Wednesday night by French newspaper Le Monde, was taken May 1 during a demonstration and seems to show Alexandre Benalla wearing a police armband and a helmet, but otherwise in civilian clothes.

PHOTO: In this video grab taken on July 19, 2018 from footage filmed on May 1, 2018 shows a man identified as Elysee Chief Security Officer Alexandre Benalla wearing a police visor as he drags away a demonstrator during May 1 protests in Paris.
In this video grab taken on July 19, 2018 from footage filmed on May 1, 2018 shows a man identified as Elysee Chief Security Officer Alexandre Benalla wearing a police visor as he drags away a demonstrator during May 1 protests in Paris.
Taha Bouhafs/AFP/Getty Images

Benalla, a member of the Elysee Palace security staff, appears to be dragging a woman and then hitting a young man, as real French police officers watch on and do not intervene.

He had initially been suspended for two weeks without pay but will now be fired, the Elysee Palace announced Friday.

Macron’s political opponents had initially criticized the president for what they considered an insufficient punishment and argued the Elysee Palace tried to cover up the event.

“There should not be a double-standard in how you treat an aide to the president and any ordinary citizen,” the leader of the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, said on French TV.

PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron (C), flanked by security officer Alexandre Benalla (2ndR), visits the 55th International Agriculture Fair (Salon de l'Agriculture) at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, Feb. 24, 2018.
French President Emmanuel Macron (C), flanked by security officer Alexandre Benalla (2ndR), visits the 55th International Agriculture Fair (Salon de l'Agriculture) at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, Feb. 24, 2018.
Thibault Camus/AFP/Getty Images

The French public prosecutor has opened a preliminary inquiry into potential charges against Alexandre Benalla.

He could be charged for violence by a public official, pretending to be a member of the police and illegally using police insignia.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, speaking to Congress members yesterday, said the incident was “particularly shocking.”

“The case is now in the hands of justice,” he added, referring to the preliminary investigation launched by prosecutors.

Macron has not yet officially reacted to the scandal.

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