THE THIRD DEGREE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 31, 31 October 1929, Page 11

THE THIRD DEGREE

CHARGES AGAINST FRENCH POLICE ALLEGED TORTURE OF ARMENIAN Paris, October 29. Public opinion is" disturbed at the amazing charges of brutality against the police. Almazoffi informed the Judge inquiring into his case that he had been subjected to violent forms of third degree examination, which proceeded for three days and nights uninterruptedly, officer succeeding officer. He was taken to a small room and confronted by five shirt-sleeved inspectors. He was undressed, and had thumbscrews placed on his hands. He was struck repeatedly on the chest, and his feet were caned. An official medical expert confirms the story by stating that the bruises on the chest were undoubtedly caused by fist blows, and the prisoner’s thumbs were seriously damaged. Notwithstanding continual torture, Almazoff steadfastly denies any knowledge of the crime. Evidence is accumulating in his favour. Despite the serious allegations, the inquiry is not likely to be effective, because it is being carried out by the Police Department directly concerned. Reports of rough treatment of prisoners are by no means unusual in France. [Almazoff, or Almazian, an Armenian tailor, is charged in connection with the “wicker trunk mystery." The body of a man named Frederic Rlgaudin was found in the railway station at Lille on September 13. It was known that Rigaudin was the lover of Madame Almazian or Almazoff. Almazoff denies any complicity in the murder.]