French Man Accused of Racist Murder Released Pending Trial

In addition to this release, the Pau Indictment Chamber also ordered the placement under judicial supervision of Claude Gorsky, accused of having killed Saïd El Barkaoui, reports Sud Ouest.

The 68-year-old man, charged with attempted homicide with a racist motive, had been remanded in custody on May 22, 2018. The police had arrested him for having fired five shots at his neighbor, Saïd El Barkaoui, during a dispute with racist overtones, it is reported. The latter died fifteen days later.

Last November, the liberty and detention judge had summoned the alleged murderer to review his case. Claude Gorsky was to remain in pre-trial detention. Faced with this situation, his lawyers Me Anthony Sutter and Me Maud Sécheresse appealed.

Their action had the expected effect: the Pau Indictment Chamber finally ordered, on Tuesday, December 10, the release of their client and his placement under judicial supervision. However, he has been prohibited from going to Ychoux, from contacting the victim’s family or from possessing a weapon. For its part, the family of Saïd El Barkaoui is in shock.

The trial is scheduled for late 2020 or early 2021, it is reported.