Muhittin Altun, who survived being electrocuted in October when he hid from police in an electricity sub-station, was detained late last night in Clichy-sous-Bois, a poor neighbourhood northeast of Paris that was the centre of last yearÂ’s violence. Police said the 18-year-old had been throwing stones at a police car. His lawyer denied the charge.
Altun was alleged to have joined in the fresh wave of rioting as it spread from nearby Montfermeil, where gangs attacked a police station, set cars ablaze and rained stones down on public buildings. One of AltunÂ’s lawyers today complained at his arrest and denied police claims that he had participated in the fresh rioting. Altun had been due today to make a visit, alongside investigating magistrates, to the sub-station where he had suffered burns.
"Muhittin Altun is being held on pathetic charges - throwing a rock - which he vehemently denies. We are convinced of his innocence," Jean-Pierre Mignard told AFP. "He was arrested in front of his home. We are stupefied that his arrest is taking place a day before a critical judicial proceeding." |