First, there is the majestic setting. The Rhone Assize Court is housed on the banks of the Saône, near Saint-Jean Cathedral, in the historic courthouse of Lyon. A building built in the first half of the 19th century, resembling a Greek temple.
Two accused, two distinct situations
During the three previous trials (the first in Riom, the next two in Puy-en-Velay), the two defendants appeared in detention. This is still the case for Berkane Makhlouf: the thirty-something is taken out every morning from his cell in Villefranche-sur-Saône, where he has been imprisoned for several years already. And driven back to the same place every evening, some thirty kilometers away.
Cécile Bourgeon, she has been free since early 2019. Now living in Perpignan, Fiona’s mother rents accommodation in the Rhône prefecture the time of the trial. It can therefore come and go without constraint. To protect her from external solicitations, the accused was authorized to take her midday lunches in the premises of the court.
In the courtroom, by contrast, the duo are seated on the same bench. Each at one end. Cécile Bourgeon takes care to ostensibly turn her back on her former companion.
Calm atmosphere, much less media pressure
We are very far from the popular and media effervescence of the first trial, in November 2016, in Puy-de-Dôme. Covid requires, places open to the public are strictly limited: no more than 20 people. Ditto for journalists: their number is capped at 10.
Every day, police officers scrupulously ensure that these gauges are respected. But in this second week of hearing, these are more than enough to absorb the demand.
Another room of the courthouse has been specially designed for the press. It is reserved for “supernumerary” journalists, who can follow it. the live broadcast of the debates. Since Monday, the place has been empty. Obvious sign – and fleeting? – of declining media interest.
The civil parties in the shelter
Another curiosity: screens have been installed in a corner of the immense hall of lost steps. These partitions make it possible to sanctuary a space dedicated to civil parties.
Every morning, well before the resumption of the debates, Cécile Bourgeon’s mother and her companion settle there. It is also there that the couple takes refuge during the prolonged suspensions. A little routine that will stretch until the verdict, expected next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Stephane Barnoin
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