In a statement, the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, George Leclerc, commented on the events that took place last Saturday, which led, among other things, to the incident involving Madame Geneviève Lagay.
To all those who have criticized the actions of the police, sometimes with heated tones, the Prefect responds by clearly outlining, with bureaucratic but precise language, the various aspects of the matter.
The conclusions of the ongoing investigation will better determine the responsibilities of each party than hasty judgments and will clarify the situation.
Statement from the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes
Last Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Nice, during the preparation for the visit of two heads of state, including the President of the French Republic, undeclared demonstrations took place both outside and inside the prohibited protest area on public roads.
The undeclared demonstrations outside the prohibited area resulted in provocations against law enforcement and disturbances to public order, which were effectively halted by the actions of the national police. Numerous arrests were made.
A demonstration within the prohibited area in the morning led to an investigation ordered by the Nice Public Prosecutor’s Office. This investigation will clearly establish the circumstances that led to it.
I remind you that the Prefect is responsible for maintaining order in this department.
In this context, and pending the results of the investigation, I object to the personal accusations against national police officers that have surfaced in recent hours on social media, and I reaffirm my trust in these officers.
Furthermore, I wish that the person injured on Saturday recovers quickly and in the best possible conditions.
