Three Sentenced for Racist Attacks on Moroccan Fans After World Cup Match in France

The events date back to December 14, 2022, the day of the World Cup semi-final, won by France against Morocco. After the match, acts of violence were committed in the city center of Annecy (Haute-Savoie) against Moroccan supporters. Thanks to the CCTV images taken after the match, three men were arrested on January 24 in Orcier, Bons-en-Chablais and Vallières-sur-Fier, with the support of the elite Raid police. During the searches, the investigators had found weapons, ammunition, as well as objects related to the far-right ideology, and in particular to Nazism, including the book Mein Kampf, an SS-monogrammed ring and a bank card in the name of Adolf Hitler, at their homes.

These suspects, aged 29 to 35, appeared in custody before the Annecy court for acts of "aggravated intentional violence" in the city center of Annecy (Haute-Savoie). At the hearing, Deputy Prosecutor Benoît Defournel described "three men with imposing physiques who practice boxing sports, two of whom are former soldiers." Two of the defendants admitted the facts they were accused of and apologized to the victims, while the third contested "being present that evening, even though his phone had connected in Annecy," reports L’Essor Savoyard.

After the requisitions, the three men were sentenced to four, six and nine months in prison. Being held in pre-trial detention until their conviction, they will be able to benefit from a sentence adjustment and regain their freedom.