the sentences of six ultra-right demonstrators reduced on appeal

The prison sentences of six people, convicted at first instance for participation in “a group formed with a view to preparing violence against people or destruction or damage to property” in the Monnaie district, in Romans-sur-Isère (Drôme), a week after the death of young Thomas in Crépol, were reduced on appeal, according to information from France bleu Drôme Ardèche.

These six activists from ultra-right groups were sentenced on November 25, 2023 in immediate appearance to sentences ranging from six to ten months in prison with a committal warrant. Their sentence was reduced on May 7 by the Grenoble Court of Appeal to six months for everyone, without a committal warrant. They were judged for their participation in this “descent” in Romans-sur-Isère. With cries of “Justice for Thomas”, “Islam outside Europe”, “the streets, France belongs to us”, five of them fired fireworks in the direction of the police, another had simply participated in the march. At the beginning of January, they were released on parole.

The appeal decision still prevents the suspects from traveling to Drôme. They are also ineligible and do not have the right to hold a weapon. In February, seven other arrestees were given suspended prison sentences.

Thomas, a 16-year-old final year student, was killed on the sidelines of a ball on the night of November 18 to 19, 2023 in Crépol (Drôme).