Eight years after the deadly attacks of November 13, 2015, France pays tribute to the 130 victims who lost their lives that day. Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne participated in the tribute ceremonies which took place in Paris and Saint-Denis in the company of the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, and the President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet.
This day of commemoration was marked by sobriety, dignity and contemplation. No speech was given, leaving room for a moment of silence and contemplation in memory of the victims. The symbolic places of the attacks were visited, such as the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, the Parisian bars and restaurants targeted by the attackers, and finally the Bataclan concert hall, where 90 people lost their lives.
This tragedy will remain forever engraved in the collective memory of the French. The attacks of November 13, 2015, perpetrated by terrorists claiming to be from the Islamic State, caused the death of 130 people and injured more than 350 others. It was a real shock for France, which was confronted with an unprecedented wave of terror.
The historic trial of these attacks ended in June 2022, after ten months of hearings. Salah Abdeslam, the only surviving member of the commandos, was sentenced to life imprisonment, the heaviest sentence in the penal code. The other co-defendants were also sentenced to terms ranging from two years to life imprisonment.
This tribute to the victims of November 13, 2015 is an opportunity to recall the importance of never forgetting the tragic events that marked our history. It is essential to remember the faces and names of those who lost their lives in this barbarity, to support the survivors and the victims’ loved ones, and to continue to fight terrorism in all its forms.
France must remain united and united in the face of these acts of violence, and continue to defend the values of freedom, equality and fraternity which are at the heart of our society. By commemorating this painful anniversary, we honor the memory of the victims and renew our commitment to building a better world, where tolerance and peace prevail.
The tribute to the victims of November 13, 2015 is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the need to fight together against the terrorist threat. It is also a message of hope, affirming that despite the horrors experienced, we will remain united and resilient, ready to defend our values and build a better future.