The events that occurred in Magnanville in June 2016, with the assassination of police officer Jean-Baptiste Salvaing and his partner Jessica Schneider, had a profound impact on public opinion. More than seven years later, the trial of Mohamed Lamine Aberouz, accused of complicity in this affair, opened before the special assize court of Paris.
Mohamed Lamine Aberouz, aged 30, is being prosecuted for several charges, including “complicity in the assassination of a person holding public authority”, “criminal terrorist association” and “complicity in kidnapping” in relation to a terrorist enterprise. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment.
The prosecution claims that Mohamed Lamine Aberouz played a key role in preparing the attack. According to her, it was he who identified the police couple as a potential target, by providing the attacker, Larossi Abballa, with information and photographs of the victims. Traces of Mohamed Lamine Aberouz’s DNA were found on the couple’s computer, used to claim the assassination.
The defendant’s lawyers dispute the accusations, saying Larossi Abballa was a “lone wolf” who had no need of an accomplice. They also highlight the failures in the surveillance of Larossi Abballa by the authorities, despite his S file and his previous conviction for acts linked to terrorism.
This trial is also an opportunity to look back on the tragic events of that night in June 2016, which aroused great emotion among the police and among the French population. This is the first time in France that police officers have been killed off duty, at their homes.
Beyond the question of Mohamed Lamine Aberouz’s guilt, this trial highlights the challenges facing law enforcement in the fight against terrorism. It also underlines the importance of increased vigilance and better coordination between the different security services to prevent such acts.
The verdict in this high-profile trial is expected on October 10. In the meantime, the opening of the debates offers an opportunity to reflect on the security issues that weigh on our society and the collective responsibility to address them.