According to a report by the General Inspectorate of the National Gendarmerie, moving shots are out of procedure, but justified in this specific case by the violence with which the soldiers were confronted.
In a document dated April 4 intended for Gérald Darmanin, the General Inspectorate of the National Gendarmerie (IGGN), seized on March 28 after the broadcast of a video showing two gendarmes firing LBDs from a moving quad in margin of the demonstrations in Sainte-Soline on March 25, indicated that the two soldiers acted that day “within the legislative framework of self-defense.”
Shot on the move but justified
In this multi-page document that BFMTV was able to consult this Wednesday, the IGGN concedes that the images broadcast on social networks “may suggest that despite the directives”, an “irregular” use of the LBD, understanding in motion, was carried out by officers of the Motorized Intervention and Interpellation Platoon (PM21) of the Republican Guard.
Army General Christian Rodriguez, Director General of the National Gendarmerie, who initials all the documents, confirms that one of the two shots was carried out “while driving”.
It was carried out during “a stall phase of the unit while a group of ‘Black Blocks’ completes the encirclement of the latter.” He also indicates that the gendarmes, who testified in the context of this administrative investigation, are then “in a situation of proven danger.”
“The shots are thus triggered in the face of dangerous, determined individuals who reiterate violence. The use of the LBD is in accordance with the legislative framework of self-defense which in this case supplants the provisional doctrine”, adds the document, which thus justifies the use of the LBD in motion.
In view of this conclusion, Christian Rodriguez believes that “our soldiers acted with professionalism, proportionality and discernment” when they faced “a determined and very violent adversary.”
Coaster in one hour
The use of the LBD in motion by the gendarmes on duty that day provoked a controversy and a backpedaling by Gérald Darmanin. Initially, during a press briefing held from Place Beauvau, the Minister of the Interior had assured that the soldiers “had not launched LBDs on quads.”
Change of tone an hour later, on the set of the show “C à vous”. There, Gérald Darmanin had mentioned these quads “used to throw tear gas canisters to repel people.”
“There were two LBD launchers. It is totally prohibited. These gendarmes will be suspended,” he added.
In this regard, the IGGN document awaits a response from the Minister regarding a potential sanction against the military. “Your conclusions will have to offer me any corrective measure and appropriate sanction”, it is indicated.
