Imam and Accused Clash at Samuel Paty Murder Trial Over Role of Hate Speech

The trial examines whether Abdelhakim Sefrioui's actions and rhetoric contributed to the teacher's assassination in 2020.

The trial of eight individuals for the 2020 murder of Samuel Paty focuses on the role of hate speech in inciting violence.
Imam Hassen Chalghoumi testified that Abdelhakim Sefrioui's campaign against Paty created a climate that led to the teacher's death.
Sefrioui, a known Islamist activist, is accused of posting a video labeling Paty a 'voyou,' which Chalghoumi equates to issuing a fatwa.
Sefrioui's defense argues there is no direct evidence linking his video to the actions of the murderer, Abdoullakh Anzorov.
The trial also highlights broader concerns about the impact of radical rhetoric on public safety and social cohesion in France.