French policeman to face murder trial over 2023 teen killing that sparked riots
The French policeman who shot dead a teenager at point blank range in 2023 outside Paris, in a killing that sparked days of riots, is to go on trial for murder, the court and prosecutors said Tuesday.
The trial of the officer, who has been charged with the murder of Nahel M., 17, but is not currently in detention, could take place in the second or third quarter of 2026, the court and prosecutor in the Paris suburb of Nanterre where the killing took place said in a joint statement.
Nahel was killed on June 27, 2023, as he pulled away from police who were trying to stop him for a traffic infraction.
A video showed two police officers standing by the side of the stationary car, with one pointing a weapon at the driver.
A voice is heard saying: 'You are going to get a bullet in the head.'
The police officer then appears to fire as the car abruptly drives off.
Days of protest marches and riots erupted as the video emerged, contradicting police accounts that the teenager was driving at the officer.
The 38-year-old officer who shot the teen, identified only as Florian M., is currently under judicial supervision which means restrictions are placed on his movements.
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