The trial of eight individuals accused of playing a role in the horrific beheading of French teacher Samuel Paty began in Paris on Monday, The Associated Press reports.
Paty was killed outside his school near Paris on October 16, 2020, by 18-year-old Abdoullakh Anzorov, a Chechen national, who was later shot dead by police.
The trial focuses on those accused of aiding Anzorov in acquiring weapons, spreading false information about Paty and his class, and inciting violence online.
Paty’s death sent shockwaves through France and sparked a national debate on freedom of expression and the fight against extremism. The teacher had shown caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad to his students during a lesson on freedom of expression, an act that deeply offended Anzorov, who was radicalized online and saw Paty’s actions as sacrilegious.
Key Figures in the Trial:
• Brahim Chnina: The father of a student who falsely claimed her daughter was excluded from Paty’s class. Chnina spread misinformation online and identified the school’s location, leading to accusations of association with a terrorist enterprise.
• Abdelhakim Sefrioui: A former spokesperson for Imams of France who filmed a video with Chnina outside the school, denouncing Paty and seeking to pressure school administrators. He faces charges of inciting hatred and violence.
• Naim Boudaoud and Azim Epsirkhanov: Two of Anzorov’s friends accused of helping him purchase a knife and a pellet gun, as well as driving him to the school. They face life imprisonment if convicted.
• Four others: Accused of criminal terrorist conspiracy for communicating with Anzorov on pro-jihad Snapchat groups. They deny knowledge of his intent to kill Paty.
The trial is expected to last several weeks.
