The trial of two accomplices of the attacker who carried out the terrorist attack in Nice using a truck, resulting in the deaths of eighty-six people on July 14, 2016, has begun in Paris. Mohamed Ghraieb and Chokri Chafroud, who were previously sentenced to eighteen years in prison for their involvement in a terrorist criminal organization, are the only two out of eight defendants who have appealed their sentence. The trial has attracted over 2,500 civil parties, with 230 planning to testify. Some minors will also be giving their testimony for the first time in court.
At the opening of the trial, presided over by magistrate Christophe Petiteau, the two defendants simply confirmed their identities and did not speak further. The main focus of the victims is to seek confirmation of the existing sentences or even harsher punishment for the defendants. The defense for Mohamed Ghraieb and Chokri Chafroud maintains their innocence, claiming they were unaware of the attacker’s criminal intentions. The trial is being broadcasted and recorded, allowing remote access for parties unable to attend in person.
Before the attack, the perpetrator, Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, was known for violent behavior towards his wife, with no clear ties to jihadist movements. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State two days later, although no direct link between the organization and the attack was established in the investigation. The trial is expected to last until June 14, with the defense aiming for acquittal for their clients. The attack in Nice was the second deadliest in France, following the 2015 attacks on the Stade de France, Bataclan concert hall, and other locations in Paris.
The victims of the attack in Nice are hoping for a reaffirmation of the defendants’ convictions and possibly harsher sentencing. The trial allows for civil parties to share their experiences and perspectives on the attack, with some minors speaking out for the first time. The court of first instance had previously found Mohamed Ghraieb and Chokri Chafroud to have been part of the attacker’s criminal plan by traveling with him in the truck prior to the attack. The victims are seeking closure and justice for the traumatic event that took place on the Promenade des Anglais.
The trial of the accomplices in the Nice terrorist attack highlights the ongoing legal process and quest for justice after the tragic event. The defense continues to argue for their clients’ innocence despite the evidence presented in the case. The focus remains on the victims and their families, with many seeking solace and resolution through the legal proceedings. The trial is expected to shed light on the events leading up to the attack and the roles played by the accused individuals in the execution of the crime.
