Four Convicted in Samuel Paty Assassination Trial Appeal Verdicts

Four out of eight individuals convicted in the trial for the 2020 murder of teacher Samuel Paty have announced their intention to appeal their sentences, citing concerns over the fairness of the verdict.

• The appeals were filed by Abdelhakim Sefrioui, Brahim Chnina, Naïm Boudaoud, and Azim Epsirkhanov, all of whom were convicted for their roles in the events leading to Samuel Paty's murder.
• Abdelhakim Sefrioui, an Islamist preacher, was sentenced to 15 years for launching a hate campaign against Paty, while Brahim Chnina, father of the student who spread false claims about Paty, received a 13-year sentence.
• Naïm Boudaoud and Azim Epsirkhanov, friends of the attacker Abdoullakh Anzorov, were sentenced to 16 years each for complicity in the murder, including assisting in the purchase of the weapon and transporting the attacker.
• Defense lawyers argue that the verdicts represent a regression in legal principles, suggesting issues with the characterization of intent and responsibility in the convictions.
• The appeals will necessitate a new trial, following the original seven-week proceedings that concluded on December 20, 2024, with all eight defendants found guilty.

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Sud Ouest Ouest-France Le Journal du Dimanche