Macron to fire bodyguard caught on camera beating protestor

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01:03

French President Emmanuel Macron has decided to fire the bodyguard who was caught on camera hitting a protester during a demonstration in Paris in May, the president's office said on Friday.

A video released this week shows Alexandre Benalla manhandling and striking a demonstrator while wearing a police helmet.

Paris prosecutors also said Benalla has been detained for questioning in the assault inquiry, where he also faces charges of impersonating a police officer.

Alexandre Benalla, French presidential aid, is seen during the May Day labour union rally in Paris, France, May 1, 2018. /Reuters photo

Macron's office said the decision to fire Benalla was taken after "new elements" emerged in the case, which has put the president under fire.

A source close to the inquiry said three police officers have also been suspended on suspicion they provided Benalla with surveillance footage of the May 1 demonstration in an attempt to prove his innocence.

"He is suspected of receiving material from the police he was not authorized to have," the Elysee said.

Emmanuel Macron (L), head of the political movement En Marche !, or Onwards !, and candidate for the 2017 presidential election, flanked by Alexandre Benalla (R), head of security, attends a campaign visit in Rodez, France, May 5, 2017. /Reuters photo

Lawmakers have also launched a commission of inquiry as a second video of the incident emerged, in which Benalla is also seen violently wrestling a young woman to the ground.

Benalla was punished with a two-week suspension without pay in May and later transferred to another post, but the incident was not reported to prosecutors.

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Source(s): AFP