POLICE METHODS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 17, 31 October 1929, Page 5

POLICE METHODS

ALLEGED BRUTALITY.

THIRD DEGREE IN FRANCE.

PUBLIC OPINION PERTURBED. (United Press Association—Copyright.) PARIS, October 29. Public opinion is disturbed at the amazing charges of brutality against the police. - ... Almazan, who was questioned in connection with the murder of Frederick Rigaudin, an accountant, informed the Judge who is inquiring into the case that"he was subject to violent forms of third degree examination, which proceeded for three days and nights without interruption, officer succeeding ofh • ccr . Once he was taken to a small room and confronted by five inspectors in their shirt sleeves. He was undressed end had thumb screws placed on his Hands. He was struck lepeatealy on the chest, and his feet were caned. \n official medical expert confirmed the statement that the bruises on Almazan’s chest were undoubteofy causer., by blows from a fist, and his thumbs were seriously damaged. In spite of the continued torture, Almazan steadfastly denied any knowledge of the crime, and evidence is accumulating in his favour. The inquiry is not likely to he effective, 'because it is being carried ®out by the Police Department, which is directly concerned. Reports of rough treatment o: prisoners ere nowise unusual in France.

Almazan, an Armenian tailor, is the suspect in the co-ealled “Wicker Trunk Mystery,’’ which has excited Paris. 11 was alleged that lio murdered Frederick Rigaudin. his friend, whose body was f ound in a wicker trunk at the Nord ■railway station at Lille on September 13. It was known that Rigaudin was the lover of Mme. Almazan, a pretty young Parisienne. The police slowly became convinced .hat the love affair was the real explanation of the murder, which was complicated by the fact that Rigaudin’s mother aws found strangled in her rooms in April. A iclentless examination iv as carried om by the Drench police. Almazan protested his innocence continually for two days, hut Hie police hoped that he would make a confession. French newspapers have j iotested strongly against the brutal third degree methods of the police.