‘Sickening’ racist remarks and calls for a coup: French police under investigation
French police investigated after racist remarks and coup calls
Poinews.com – Sickening racist remarks and calls for a coup have led to an investigation involving municipal police officers in Carcassonne, southern France. Several officers were suspended after body-camera footage from a night patrol reportedly revealed racist, misogynistic and extremist statements.
The recording was made during a patrol on 6 November 2025 and is said to last around six hours. Officers in the vehicle allegedly believed the body camera had stopped recording when the comments were made. The footage was later sent to the Carcassonne public prosecutor’s office, prompting a preliminary investigation in January 2026.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed that an inquiry had been opened. The officers concerned were stripped of their authorisations and suspended after being judged not to meet the integrity standards required of public officials.
Recorded patrol included racist and sexist abuse
Although the patrol reportedly handled only one incident that evening, much of the conversation in the vehicle contained abusive and discriminatory language. One officer used a racist slur against a passer-by, while Black people were compared with “monkeys” on two occasions.
The remarks also targeted women and people associated with the political left. The case has renewed concerns about the duty of municipal police to treat residents fairly, regardless of their background, religion, gender or political beliefs.
“Back in the days of the caves, those stupid bitches, if they weren't with their bloke, they'd get bumped off outside.”
“We've been eaten alive, we let everyone in, we've had 40 years of crap from the left, lefty scum.”
Far-right rhetoric and discussion of military rule
The patrol leader was reportedly responsible for almost 90% of the hateful comments heard in the footage. The exchanges included rhetoric linked to far-right narratives, including the false idea that France is experiencing a “civilisational replacement”.
“We became Christian under Clovis; we're going to become Muslim under Macron.”
Later, officers discussed the prospect of overthrowing France’s democratic order. One expressed surprise that a coup had not already occurred, while another suggested that military rule would not be harmful.
“What we're missing is a general with some real balls. A little coup, a little dictatorship in France wouldn't do any harm.”
The patrol leader was also heard saying he had found a weapon for someone close to him. The available information does not establish the circumstances of that claim, but it is among the material being examined by investigators.
Mayor condemns “sickening” comments
Carcassonne city council initially called the language in the recording unacceptable and blamed the previous municipal administration for its handling of the police service. The mayor later described the comments as “sickening” and confirmed that all officers involved had been suspended.
The administrative measures are separate from any potential criminal proceedings. In France, racist insults made in private do not necessarily carry the same legal classification as public comments, but they can still be punishable by a fifth-class fine of up to €1,500.
For public servants, disciplinary consequences can be more severe. Benjamin Cottet-Emard, a lawyer with the Lyon Bar, said that non-public racist insults can amount to a distinct disciplinary offence and may lead to permanent removal from public service.
He said the statements recorded during the patrol appeared fundamentally incompatible with the responsibilities of public office and harmed human dignity. He also referred to previous case law involving an officer dismissed after racist and discriminatory remarks in a WhatsApp group, including a failure to challenge racist, antisemitic and sexist messages from colleagues.
Patrol leader’s background raises further questions
The patrol leader, identified as C.R., is 50 and previously served as a paratrooper. He is also reported to have volunteered with the Protection and Security Department, the internal security unit of France’s far-right National Rally party.
The investigation into the sickening racist remarks and calls recorded during the patrol is continuing, while local authorities consider the disciplinary implications for those involved.
FAQ: Carcassonne police investigation
Why were the Carcassonne officers suspended?
The officers were suspended after footage from a November 2025 patrol reportedly captured racist, sexist and extremist remarks. Authorities said they no longer met the integrity requirements expected of public officials.
Is the investigation criminal or disciplinary?
It may involve both processes. The public prosecutor’s office opened an investigation, while the city’s suspension of the officers is an administrative and disciplinary measure.
Can private racist insults be punished in France?
Yes. Even when remarks are made privately, they can result in a fifth-class fine of up to €1,500 and may carry serious professional consequences for public servants.