These convictions punish hate messages posted on Facebook or X which include the names and addresses of suspects linked to the death of Thomas, which occurred in November 2023.
Nine Internet users were sentenced Thursday in Paris to sentences ranging from a fine of 500 euros to four months in prison, for having distributed hateful messages and the names and addresses of suspects after the death of young Thomas in Crépol (Drôme) in November 2023. They were tried at two separate hearings in September, by the 17th chamber of the criminal court, for provocation without effect to commit a crime, public insult due to origin, disclosure of personal data or even death threats. Most were sentenced to fines: 100 day fine of 10 euros (i.e. a fine of 10 euros per day for 100 days), 800 euros or 1500 euros.
The criminal court found that one of them had impaired judgment and was sentenced to a fine of 500 euros. Several must also pay a few hundred euros for moral damage to the civil parties. Their messages had been posted on Facebook or young people from outside the village. “Beyond the convictions handed down, this trial reminds us of the immense responsibility of the media and politicians in the treatment of news items”reacted to AFP Me Marie Cornanguer, lawyer for one of the condemned, who had published the photograph of two suspects accompanied by an image of firearms with the caption «la solution». “In this case, they were at the beginning of this wave of online hatred. Unlike my client, it seems to me that they have not yet examined their consciences.”she added.
“Speech offenders”
Marylène P., a 53-year-old stay-at-home mother who republished the address list, who admitted to the bar “a big stupidity” and apologized, was released. “Real white heads, to be vaccinated directly with a gun”wrote Lionel G., a 55-year-old truck driver, republishing photos and names of suspects. “The names of the assassins that the police tried to hide from you are now known”wrote Gaël L., 56 years old, relaying a list of addresses of the young people involved. “Always the same profiles, Swedes from a good family”joked Jean-Marie L., 40 years old, head of a small business.
During the trial of five of them on September 4, several appeared to have difficulty understanding what they were doing there, their explanations remaining confusing. The court reminded them that the suspects' families had received threatening calls and letters at their homes. The prosecutor had requested sentences ranging from four months of detention to two months suspended, as well as citizenship courses at their expense for these “speech offenders”to the other “end of the chain” of the investigation – still ongoing – concerning the death of Thomas.
