Paris: ‘Yellow Vest’ Protestor Reopens Investigation After Being Blinded by Police Fire
Paris, March 1, 2026 – Seven years after being blinded by a police LBD (Defense Ball Launcher) shot near the Arc de Triomphe, a ‘Yellow Vest’ protestor has successfully obtained the reopening of the investigation into his injury. The Paris Court of Appeal deemed the initial investigation incomplete, paving the way for a judicial inquiry to resume.
Alexandre Frey, one of 23 individuals blinded by law enforcement during the winter 2018-2019 ‘Yellow Vest’ movement, had seen his initial case dismissed on July 4, 2025. Investigating judge Katia Dubreuil had concluded that “investigations had not identified the perpetrator of the shot.”
Court of Appeal Orders Resumption of Judicial Inquiry
However, on February 17, 2026, the Paris Court of Appeal ruled that the investigation could not be considered “complete” and ordered the Parisian investigating judge to resume the judicial inquiry. This decision, consulted by AFP, marks a significant turning point in Frey’s pursuit of justice.
Frey was struck by an LBD shot on December 8, 2018, during one of the most tense demonstration days of the social crisis, resulting in the loss of sight in his right eye. He filed a complaint, leading to the opening of a judicial inquiry six months later for violence by a public authority figure, resulting in permanent mutilation or disability.
Unexplored Avenues and New Evidence
The initial investigation, entrusted to the IGPN (General Inspectorate of the National Police), failed to identify the perpetrator of the shot amidst the chaos of that day, characterized by dislodged cobblestones, burning barricades, and broken storefronts.
However, the Court of Appeal found that not all leads had been explored. Notably, a document attesting to the use of an LBD, filled out nearly two months after the incident by a police officer, was overlooked. When combined with on-site testimony partially consistent with the sequence of events, these elements, which align in terms of location and time, “are likely to constitute serious and corroborating evidence against (the police officer), making it plausible that he was the author of the shot” that injured Alexandre Frey, the court added.
Legal Battle Ahead for Accountability
Me Yassine Bouzrou, Frey’s lawyer, reacted to the development, stating, “We will now fight to recognize the responsibility of the shooter, but also of his hierarchy, who on that day had called to ‘impact a maximum of people’.”
The reopening of this investigation highlights the ongoing scrutiny of police conduct during protests and the persistent efforts by victims to seek accountability. The ‘Yellow Vest’ movement, which began in late 2018, saw widespread protests across France, often marked by clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
This case is one of many that have raised questions about the use of force by police and the independence of investigations into such incidents. The outcome of the resumed judicial inquiry will be closely watched by human rights organizations and those advocating for police reform.
