Jean-Michel Moulun, a former boxer, appears for the assassination of Evelyne, 77, beheaded in her villa in Agde on October 13, 2021. The family of the retiree asked at the opening of the hearing that the trial is held behind closed doors, in the name of a risk of danger to public order.
“I refuse closed doors.” Clear voice, shiny skull and impressive muscles, Jean-Michel Moulun, a 54-year-old former boxer, appears combative this Monday, December 9 before the Hérault Assize Court, where he appeared for the terrible assassination of Evelyne, a 77-year-old retiree beheaded on October 13, 2021, which he has denied since his arrest, despite numerous elements against him.
The danger to public order is invoked
At the opening of the hearing, Me Langlois, lawyer at the Versailles bar and civil party for the children and grandchildren of the victim, requested that the hearing be held behind closed doors, citing the danger for the public order. “At the time ofaffair the complete civil status and address of the victim have been released, the daughter and son were harassed by the press. The facts and their circumstances are particular. They fear that this ad will have consequences for their family.”.
The events occurred a few days before the anniversary of the attack against Samuel Paty, but any terrorist nature was quickly ruled out by the Montpellier judicial police.
Attorney General George Gutierrez opposed the request. “IThere is no sense of public order. It is a criminal trial such as we unfortunately see very often, the fact of examining a file, even if horrible, will have no consequences on public order or on the victim's family.”
Decision rendered after a brief deliberation
The defense lawyers, Me Caniez and Bousquet, also opposed this request, as did the accused.
After a brief deliberation, the Assize Court refused this request for closed session, considering that the conditions provided for by law were not met, and that “the publicity of debates is not dangerous for order and morals.”
The trial will now continue, with the examination of the personality of the accused this Monday morning, notably through the testimony of an expert psychiatrist. The police will come and testify this Monday afternoon. The accused will be questioned about the facts on Tuesday December 10. The verdict is expected on Wednesday December 11.
