the trial of the five suspects postponed

The trial of the attack on two plainclothes police officers by five people in Old Nice was postponed this Tuesday, December 17. The question now is whether the five accused will appear free or be placed in pre-trial detention while awaiting their trial.

The trial of the attack on two plainclothes police officers by five people in Old Nice was postponed this Tuesday, December 17.

Five people were tried this Tuesday before the criminal court for immediate appearance. They are accused of having beaten two plainclothes police officers on the night of December 12 to 13. Due to their injuries, the two police officers were completely unable to work for four days.

Shortly after the events, the five alleged attackers were arrested by the local judicial police service (SLPJ) of Nice, then presented to justice on Saturday December 14. They were nevertheless released under judicial supervision, pending their immediate appearance.

This Tuesday, the police officers were present in court, surrounded by their loved ones. They still bore the scars of their attack. One of them was wearing a neck brace and the other had clearly visible marks on his face.

The courtroom was crowded and the trial was under heavy surveillance. Police officers were deployed outside and inside the court. “We are preparing for any excess,” confided a police source, speaking to BFM Nice Côte d’Azur.

Detention or freedom?

After the postponement of the trial, the issue now is whether the defendants will appear free or be placed in pre-trial detention while awaiting their judgment.

The prosecution requested placement in pre-trial detention for three of them, because “there were criminal records with several convictions”. For the other two, placement under judicial supervision was required.

For defense lawyers, this position is “inconsistent”. “Disturbing public order does not exist in a criminal case.”

The five accused are appearing for “violence against persons holding public authority”. An aggravating circumstance which is contested by the defense lawyers. According to them, the defendants were not aware of the status of the victims. A central question which will be debated during the trial.