Cédric Chouviat

Cédric Chouviat was a delivery driver who died in 2020 following a roadside police stop in France. He is newsworthy because recent developments indicate a continued pursuit of justice by his family and scrutiny of the police actions involved in his death. The family is now seeking to hold the state accountable, alleging "voluntary" police actions and demanding harsher penalties for the officers involved. The Defender of Rights (Défenseure des droits), an independent administrative authority, has determined that the police used disproportionate force during the control, noting that Chouviat repeatedly said "I'm suffocating" before collapsing. The Defender of Rights is requesting disciplinary action against the officers. This case remains significant as it highlights concerns about police brutality and accountability, and is considered emblematic of police violence in France.