French police brutality brings back Syrian photographer's memories of civil war

PARIS, FRANCE - DECEMBER 3: An award-winning photojournalist, Ameer al Halbi, who got wounded while covering a protest in French capital Paris, said the incident brought back his memories of the civil war in his home country. He became one of the victims of police brutality during the protests against police violence and a new security bill that offers increased protection to law enforcement at the sacrifice of freedom of expression. During his coverage of Paris protests, the photo journalist suffered a broken nose and forehead injury after being hit by the police. “I am here to take photos, so I decided to continue with that. I was not expecting this. When the police hit me in the face with a baton, I fell down," he tells. “I was also afraid that the camera could be broken. I could not fully understand what happened to me. I thought everything was normal. I was thinking of continuing to take photos... Then I began to have trouble in opening my eyes and seeing. After a few seconds, I saw that the camera and my clothes were all covered in blood.” Expressing his feelings during those moments, he says: “I got mad in ambulance [after seeing what happened to me]. Luckily, I was with my friend. He took care of me. It was morally more difficult than physically." Al-Halbi is a freelance photographer who has also worked for Agence-France Presse (AFP) as well as Polka Magazine. He was also awarded for his coverage of the Syrian civil war in his hometown, Aleppo. He stated that AFP, Polka Magazine and Reporters Without Borders are following the process of the investigation. The Paris Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation after the injuries of al-Halbi on Nov. 30. (Footage by Yusuf Özcan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)