Claudia
Claudia, a 40-year-old product packer at the Vertbaudet children’s clothing factory in Paris, France, was assaulted by a police officer during a peaceful picket in May 2023 and hospitalized. Claudia was participating in a peaceful picket with fellow workers who were dissatisfied with low wages when several cars of police officers arrived at the factory and were very aggressive towards the women protesters.
One of the police officers grabbed Claudia and dragged her for almost 90 meters. She recalls: “my feet almost didn’t touch the ground and I was screaming that I couldn’t breathe and that they were hurting me. The policeman did not stop and even started elbowing me in the back. At times I couldn’t even touch the ground. Knowing that I am six feet tall, weigh 48 pounds, and in remission from cancer, I couldn’t understand such violence.” In the emergency room, Claudia was x-rayed and forbidden to move, and doctors ordered her to wear a neck brace. She now takes opium for pain relief.
Claudia intends to file a complaint against the police officer who brutalized her and is waiting for the appointment of a forensic medical examination, which is mandatory before taking such action. Despite the reprisals, Claudia is determined to win.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
The repression against strikers at Vertbaudet, who have been on strike over wages for 2 months, is intensifying. Claudia, a parcel packer, was strangled by a police officer and hospitalized. Despite the repression, she tells of her determination to win.
CASE STATUS:
The Action Group has asked French President Emmanuel Macron and French Minister of Justice Eric Dupont-Moretti for clarification on the current case. The Action Group considers it important to combat police violence and can provide legal and informational support to Claudia and her family if necessary.
