A Paris court has convicted all eight defendants involved in the assassination of Professor Samuel Paty, with sentences ranging from one to 16 years. Key figures, Naïm Boudaoud and Azim Epsirkhanov, received 16-year sentences, while Brahim Chnina and Abdelhakim Sefrioui were sentenced to 13 and 15 years for their roles in inciting hatred. Reactions to the verdict varied, with some viewing it as a victory for the Republic, while others criticized it as influenced by public opinion, with intentions to appeal.
Verdict Delivered in Samuel Paty Assassination Case
After an intense seven-week trial, the special assize court in Paris has reached a verdict regarding the tragic assassination of Professor Samuel Paty. On December 20, the court found all eight defendants guilty, each playing varying roles in the heinous act carried out by a young radical Islamist from Chechnya in 2020. The sentences handed down ranged significantly, with some defendants facing up to 16 years in prison, exceeding the prosecution’s requests.
Sentencing Details for the Defendants
Two close associates of the assailant, Naïm Boudaoud and Azim Epsirkhanov, received the heaviest penalties, each sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment. The individuals who orchestrated the ‘hate campaign’ against Paty, Brahim Chnina and Islamist preacher Abdelhakim Sefrioui, were also convicted of terrorist conspiracy, receiving sentences of 13 and 15 years, respectively.
Other defendants received varied sentences: Ismaïl Gamaev was given five years, with 30 months suspended, while Louqmane Ingar received three years, two of which are suspended. Priscilla Mangel was handed a three-year suspended sentence, and Yusuf Cinar was sentenced to one year in prison, along with socio-judicial monitoring.
The national anti-terrorist prosecution (Pnat) had sought a range of penalties from 18 months of suspended prison time to 16 years in prison for defendants aged 22 to 65, including a request to downgrade charges for four of the accused.
Reactions to the Sentences and Future Appeals
Following the verdict, Thibault de Montbrial, representing Mickaëlle Paty, sister of the slain professor, expressed that the ruling was a victory for the Republic. He highlighted the dangers posed by Islamist extremists who manipulate situations to vilify those defending Republican values. Francis Szpiner, lawyer for Paty’s ex-partner and son, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the sentences reflected the serious challenge faced by the Republic. He emphasized the crucial role that Chnina played in the events leading to Paty’s death.
In stark contrast, lawyers for Abdelhakim Sefrioui voiced their frustration over the court’s decision, claiming it succumbed to public opinion and political pressure. They argued that the ruling lacked legal basis and insisted that without Sefrioui’s involvement, the circumstances of Paty’s death would remain unchanged. Sefrioui expressed disappointment over not being able to adequately present his defense and announced intentions to appeal the court’s ruling.