The trial for the November 13th attacks in Paris was opened on September 8, 2015 at the Paris courthouse. It is now in its final stretch. After the civil parties’ pleadings, it was Wednesday’s turn of the public prosecutor to petition against the 20 defendants.
We will recall Camille Hennetier’s opening remarks, which emphasized the “fraternity against barbarism” and “humanity” that were revealed from the testimonies. She warned that “from the trial does not always rise the truth, but a judiciary truth.” She conceded that there were still grey areas at the end of the debates. This included the decision on where to strike the ballots on November 13th 2015.
The three Advocates General took to the podium to define the qualifications against the defendants, notably that of criminal association. This is often accused of being a “catch-all” offense. Nicolas Braconnay destroyed two “alibis’ of jihadists: military and humanitarian. He calls the first “a fable” and says that it “explains why coalition strikes were used against Daesh.” Before attacking the facts and the accused, the Advocate General asserts that there is “logical misinterpretation” as well as “moral scandal”.
Before referring to Osama atar, who was made emir of Daesh and is in charge of all external operations, he said that he was “the validation authority” for the attacks. He also highlighted the religious radicalization of Yassine, who in the box denies it.
Nicolas Le Bris left Molenbeek, “a historical breeding ground for Jihad”, to paint Abdelhamid Abaaoud’s portrait. He then focuses on Mohamed Abrini’s radicalization. His “rocker” in Jihadism was done in August 2014 by the death of his little brother who joined the ranks the Islamic State.
He briefly mentioned Salah Abdullam as well, which he categorically rejected. He said that he had to perform his “hijra” towards the Iraqi–Syrian zone without taking part in attacks in Europe. He was forced to return to Belgium because the terrorist cell depended on him. He knew that there would be attacks. He was aware that blood would flow.
Nicolas Le Bris said that the express round trip he made to Greece in August 2015 was also intended to identify “the route of terrorists returning to Europe” from Syria.
According to this, the Advocates General seem to have no sympathy for the main defendants. They believe that religious radicalization was a fact before the attacks and would have prepared meticulously.
The three-day indictment of three general attorneys (Camille Hennetier and Nicolas Braconnay) must be completed. Each hearing begins at 12:30 p.m.
Friday will see them give the sentences or acquittals they request the court to pronounce against defendants accused of the most brutal attacks on French soil since WWII. There were 130 victims on Friday night, plus 132 survivors who later ended their lives.
