On January 4, 2025, Doria Chouviat, widow of Cédric Chouviat, expressed her mixed emotions surrounding the upcoming trial of three police officers charged with involuntary manslaughter for the death of her husband. This legal development stems from the tragic events of January 3, 2020, when Cédric, who was working as a delivery man on his scooter, was apprehended in Paris. He was subjected to forceful restraint during the police operation, repeatedly stating, "I can't breathe" nine times over the course of thirteen seconds before collapsing.
Doria Chouviat conveyed both satisfaction and disappointment with the judicial decision, noting the thoroughness of the investigation conducted by the General Inspectorate of the National Police (IGPN) but criticizing the classification of the charge against the officers. According to her, this charge trivializes the seriousness of the actions taken against her husband, which she describes as deliberate, disproportionate, and illegitimate violence. While officially the prosecutors have deemed the officers' behavior as "negligent" leading to asphyxiation, Doria is adamant: "Cédric is deceased due to deliberate, unjustified, disproportionate, and illegitimate violence," she declared on Franceinfo.
The incident, which led to Cédric's death just two days later on January 5, gained significant media attention not only for the circumstances surrounding it but also due to its chilling resemblance to the death of George Floyd, whose final words have sparked global movements against police violence. Doria remarked, "The murderer of my husband is now the station head. That’s what’s terrifying. That man committed the irreparable, he should no longer be part of the police force." She pointed out the fear this reality instills not just within her family but also among the general public.
On the day of the verdict announcement, judges stated their findings underlined the officers' duties during the arrest were inadequately handled, leading to the tragic outcome. Cédric Chouviat's case joins growing public discourse about police protocols, the use of force, and the necessity for reform within law enforcement agencies. It poses important questions about accountability: if police officers are to protect citizens, how can they also be the source of such violence?
Doria Chouviat’s assertiveness mirrors the concerns of many families affected by similar incidents across the globe. While the trial is considered a small victory for justice, it also sheds light on the broader issue of police conduct and systemic accountability. Doria hopes this forthcoming trial will not simply be about legal ramifications for the involved officers but will force public conversations around police violence and the necessity for criminal justice reform.
She stated, "This trial will give us the opportunity to denounce everything and hold part of the responsible accountable," expressing her desire for the truth about the incident to be thoroughly uncovered. Doria's aim is not only about justice for her husband but also about preventing such tragedies from occurring again. With proceedings set to commence, she is adamant about needing clarity, accountability, and change within the system.
Despite the formal charges, the reality remains stark for Doria—her husband did not simply die under unfortunate circumstances but, she argues, under egregious conditions. Ordinarily, one would expect accountability from those sworn to protect the public, yet Doria is bruised by the knowledge of the continued presence of the officers involved within the police force. Strongly, she believes these individuals pose threats to others, stating, "It’s the world turned upside down!" At the core of her fight is the hope of sparking greater reform and protecting the communities from being victims of police violence.
With this trial on the horizon, both the family and the public await the outcomes, hoping for a verdict reflective of the severe shortcomings of the police's handling of this tragic case of Cédric Chouviat. Doria and others like her advocate for justice not solely as reparations for loss but as necessary change, envisioning safer communities where justice is genuinely served.