Moroccan Man with Violent History Arrested in Amsterdam for Avignon Murder

What is Fouad L.’s profile? This man is known to the police. He has a heavy criminal record: 17 convictions for serious offenses such as carrying weapons, death threats, aggravated violence, kidnapping, sequestration with acts of torture and barbarism, as well as drug trafficking, reports Le Figaro. In 2017, Fouad L. and his brother Nabil had been sentenced to four years in prison for stabbing a man after a simple exchange of looks. "If you wake the devil in me, you’ll find me," he had then said in court, illustrating his ultra-violent profile. In February 2023, he had been sentenced to two years in prison after a violent assault on a 23-year-old man. During his arrest by the RAID, the police had found an assault rifle, ammunition, a bulletproof vest and drugs at his home.

After his release from prison, Fouad crossed paths with Barbara, on the Place Pie, known for its bars. This music and foreign language enthusiast had been living for a few months in the Balance neighborhood of Avignon. On the night of her death, she was in the company of several people, including Fouad L., with whom she was using drugs. Before the tragedy, her mother had briefly met the Moroccan, who had told her that he had recently been released from prison. While she was worried about her daughter, Barbara had reassured her mother before asking her to leave. "Leave me with my friends, they’re nice," the young woman would have replied.

The unthinkable will be committed: the next day, the victim had been found with her lower body naked, a dislocated finger and facial bruises. An investigation will be opened by the public prosecutor’s office for "murder and acts of torture and barbarism". The Avignon prosecutor’s office had issued a European arrest warrant against Fouad, who was on the run. The Moroccan was first arrested for shoplifting, before being identified by the Dutch authorities. He will appear on February 13 before the Dutch justice where he will be informed of his extradition, learned CNEWS from the Amsterdam court.