The Natitingou court sentenced three police officers to prison on Thursday, April 25, who were responsible for violence against a motorcycle driver during a helmet-wearing check. In a video, we see them manhandling the driver to the ground. The image shocked Benin and public opinion also disapproved of the prosecution of the author of the video who denounced the incident. The deliberation was eagerly awaited.
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With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
The three convicted police officers belong to the Natitingou surveillance and support platoon, northwest of Cotonou. They all received six months in prison and a fine to pay to the victim they beat on April 11.
As soon as it was delivered, the verdict made headlines and flooded social networks because it was so anticipated.
But public opinion is especially pleased with the release of the author of the video which revealed the affair. He is a carpenter, his placement in pre-trial detention greatly displeased and sparked protests around the Natitingou court. Everything is back to normal, a resident tells us.
Shortly before the trial, the government halved the amount of the fine for not wearing a helmet, from 10 to 5,000 CFA francs.
On April 17, the police hierarchy announced that they had punished three officers in Cotonou. A line is open to record the excesses and abuses that are source of tension in the country.