Florian M. at the assizes, but not for murder: The major turning point in the Nahel case

The Versailles Court of Appeal overturned the decision of the investigating judges regarding the murderous intent. According to the court’s press release, it is not established that the officer was motivated by the desire to take the teenager’s life at the time of the shooting. It also confirmed the dismissal for the second police officer present at the time of the events.

For the court, the author of the shot could have been convinced that by restarting, the vehicle was likely to harm his physical integrity or that of third parties. Florian M., initially referred to the assizes for murder, thus sees the proceedings against him significantly lightened.

Laurent-Franck Liénard, the police officer’s lawyer, welcomed the withdrawal of the murder charge while regretting the absence of dismissal. "My client has only applied the law," he said, announcing his intention to appeal to the Court of Cassation to obtain the total abandonment of the proceedings.

Conversely, Nahel’s mother’s lawyer, Me Frank Berton, denounced a "scandalous and shameful" decision. Denouncing a political choice aimed at protecting the police officer, he also announced an appeal to the Court of Cassation, stating that this reclassification "confiscates the debate" that was initially to be held before the assizes.