Adama Traoré

Adama Traoré, 24, died in custody after being restrained by police on 19 July 2016.

Traoré was out with his older brother Bagui in Paris suburb. Police approached the pair, seeking to arrest Bagui. The officers requested to check their IDs, but Adama did not have his and fled. He was caught by officers, but fled again and was caught a second time. Traoré escaped again and he was later found and arrested by three police officers. Following his arrest, Traoré stood up on his own but officers claim he seemed to be in some physical distress.

On arrival at the station, the officers noticed Traoré had urinated on himself and was unconscious but they stated that he was still breathing. The officers placed Traoré on the ground and called the emergency services. Medical team tried to resuscitate him. After an hour, Traoré was declared dead at the scene.

A coroner’s report was published on 6 March 2021. According to the report Traoré’s death is linked to asphyxia from sustained pressure. His family is fighting for justice in his case.

At the end of July 2021, ISHR and the Adama Committee requested the French Government to Put an end to the judicial harassment faced by Assa Traoré for her plea that the perpetrators of her brother’s death be held responsible and prosecuted and ensure a prompt, transparent and impartial investigation into the case of Adama Traoré;