Valence Prosecutor Asks Judges to Drop Racist Aggravation in Thomas Perotto Case

Overview

• The Valence prosecutor filed a final réquisitoire on Monday, August 17, asking judges to reject the aggravating circumstance of racism because testimonies mentioning anti‑white or anti‑French remarks are minority, imprecise, and not linked to specific suspects.
• Investigating judges had requalified the file on July 23 and retained the racism aggravation against 14 people placed under formal investigation after the November 18–19, 2023 brawl that left 16‑year‑old Thomas Perotto dead.
• The prosecutor nevertheless asked judges to keep a concomitance aggravation, noting two other people were targeted in attempted murders that night, and stressed this shift does not change the maximum penalty the suspects face.
• Victims’ lawyers, antiracist groups, and several politicians sharply criticized the prosecutor’s stance and have submitted observations; lawyers for some defendants have sought recusal of the investigating judges and new expert steps.
• Under French procedure the prosecutor’s requests are consultative only, so the judges d’instruction will issue an ordonnance de mise en accusation expected in early September that will decide the final qualifications and who, if anyone, is sent to the cour d’assises.