Video Released of French Protesters Being Beaten by Emmanuel Macron's Bodyguard

A senior security officer for French President Emmanuel Macron has become embroiled in a major scandal following the release of a video showing him beating a protester during Labor Day demonstrations. On Thursday, Le Monde published footage showing Alexandre Benalla, wearing a police helmet, punching and kicking a young man during a protest in downtown Paris. The French presidential office stated that Benalla, who is not a police officer and previously worked as a private bodyguard, was allowed to 'observe police operations' on May 1, a public holiday. The office added that following the incident, Benalla was suspended for two weeks without pay and transferred to an administrative position instead of organizing the president's travel security. A spokesperson for Macron's office told reporters, 'This punishment was to penalize unacceptable behavior and a final warning before dismissal.' The Paris prosecutor's office opened an investigation on Thursday into potential crimes, including violence by a public employee, impersonating a police officer, and misuse of police insignia. The legal penalty for impersonating a police officer can be up to one year in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros. The French Minister of the Interior emphasized in a parliamentary session that Benalla 'had no right to intervene.' The protests were organized by leftist students in tourist areas along the Seine River. Political opponents of Macron are questioning why this bodyguard has not been dismissed and why his actions were not reported to the police following the video's release. BFMTV also reported that Benalla returned to his security job this week, coinciding with France's World Cup victory celebrations. Macron did not respond to questions about the video during a visit to southwestern France on Thursday and dismissed claims that the incident harmed the government's image. Benalla was responsible for the security of Macron's election campaign and typically walked a few steps behind him. On May 1, which is usually a day for large labor union demonstrations, hundreds of anarchists clashed with police and vandalized shops. Macron, who was in Australia at the time, condemned the violence in a Twitter message, stating, 'All measures will be taken to identify and deal with those responsible for this incident.' Le Monde quoted a witness as saying, 'The scene was very violent and seemed unjustified.' The video shows a young man, beaten by the president's bodyguard, lying on the ground, struggling to breathe and in severe pain. His identity has not been disclosed, but according to a member of the leftist party 'France Unbowed' in parliament, he is a member of that party. Macron's popularity has recently declined, with the latest polls showing around thirty-something percent approval. However, analysts suggest that the public joy following France's World Cup victory may somewhat boost Macron's popularity.