Jacky Sinedia

Jacky Sinedia, 58, was injured in Saint-Louis on Reunion island on November 27, 2018. AFP spoke to him by phone on March 14, 2019.

Why were you there?

A caretaker in Saint-Louis on Reunion island, Jacky Sinedia was going to his grandmother’s house when he was hit in the eye with a projectile. He told AFP he “was not taking part in the march”, has “nothing to do” with the movement and does not support the yellow vests.

“There were clashes between police and protesters,” he explained. “The noise was deafening - tear gas canisters and grenades exploding, people shouting and running around.”

What happened?

The 58-year-old left his mother-in-law’s house to go to his grandmother’s house, where his daughter and grandson had taken shelter. He says he was worried and wanted to be with them.

“I’d barely set foot in the street when I was hit in my left eye. I thought I was going to die, and then I blacked out,” he said.

What is your life like now?

Jacky has been on sick leave since his injury. “Every night, I hear explosions and people shouting," he said. "I want to see this case through to the end. I’m not an animal you can just shoot down. I didn’t do anything wrong, I didn’t hurt anyone.”