A French appeals court has reduced the charges against a police officer accused of fatally shooting a teenager during a traffic stop in 2023. The court ruled that the officer, Florian M., will face trial for voluntary assault leading to death instead of the more serious charge of murder. The case centres on the shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk, who was shot after allegedly failing to comply with police orders to stop his car.
The teenager later died from his injuries, triggering widespread protests and unrest across France. Prosecutors had earlier said the officer should stand trial for murder, but the appeals court concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove the officer intended to kill when he fired his weapon. Under French law, the revised charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, compared with up to 30 years for murder.
The decision has sparked strong reactions from both sides. The officer’s lawyer welcomed the reduced charge but argued that his client should not face trial at all, maintaining that the shooting was justified. Meanwhile, the victim’s family condemned the ruling, saying it prevents a jury from examining whether there was intent to kill and calling the decision deeply unjust.
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