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French Courts Issue Near‑Maximum Sentences for Minors in Two Murder Cases

The rulings signal a tougher stance on severe juvenile crime with extended socio‑judicial monitoring and compulsory care on release.

Overview

  • Three adolescents were sentenced in Dunkirk to 18 and 20 years in prison for the April 2024 ambush killing of 22‑year‑old Philippe Coopman in Grande‑Synthe.
  • The juvenile court’s verdict exceeded the prosecution’s requests and included five‑ and seven‑year socio‑judicial follow‑ups with court‑ordered medical care.
  • Investigators said the attackers lured the victim via the Cocoland chat site by posing as a minor, and testimony confirmed he was mistakenly targeted.
  • The Haut‑Rhin minors’ assize court separately imposed 25 years on a defendant for a 2022 Mulhouse stabbing and subsequent arson attempt, with a 10‑year post‑release supervision order requiring treatment and work.
  • Proceedings in both cases were held partially in camera, and no appeals were reported at the time of publication.