Trial of the assassination of Samuel Paty: who is “Sugary Scar”, the Nîmoise and the only accused woman who faces 30 years in prison?

She is the only woman among the eight accused in the trial for the assassination of Samuel Paty, which began Monday, November 4 before the special assize court in Paris. Nîmes resident Priscilla Mangel, now 36 years old, under judicial control since June 2021, appeared free at the hearing and veiled. She is being prosecuted for criminal terrorist conspiracy and faces 30 years in prison.

Sweet scar

The Gardoise is suspected to have been in virtual contact with Abdoulakh Anzorovthis 18-year-old Chechen, who killed Samuel Paty on October 16, 2020. Priscilla Mangel, a radical Islamist, was linked to the killer in the days preceding the attack, on Twitter, with her pseudonym Sweet scar (but also Cicats). In particular, she presented the teacher's lessons to him as “blasphemous”.

In the referral order before the special assizes, the anti-terrorism judges are unequivocal: “In view of the content of her exchanges with Anzorov, whose radicalization was displayed, she participated in the preparation of his terrorist project.” Me Margot Pugliese, on behalf of Priscilla Mangel, contacted Monday evening, disputes this: “My client never imagined nor wished to have the slightest influence on Mr. Anzorov”defends the lawyer, who had requested, in vain, a dismissal of the case for her client during the investigation.

For Me Virginie Le Roy, the lawyer for Samuel Paty's parents and sister, Cicatrice Sucrée, on the contrary, has its place at the trial: “She had extensive discussions with Anzorov, putting the firm idea in his head that he had to act because nothing was going to happen. And then we see that his positioning on social networks is radical.”