By Le Figaro with AFP
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The judges considered that the four men, aged 20 to 28, had acted out of necessity, in proportion to the threat to which they were subjected. LOIC VENANCE / AFP
Four far-right activists were released Thursday, August 10 by the Angers Criminal Court for acts of preparation of violence during the riots in late June-early July, but one of them was however sentenced to three months suspended sentence for violence.
The prosecution had requested sentences of six months simple suspension to twelve months in prison, six of which are firm. While being prosecuted for participation in an armed group, the judges considered that the four men, aged 20 to 28, had acted in a state of necessity, in proportion to the threat to which they were subject, noted a AFP correspondent.
Prosecuted for carrying a weapon
These four identities, members of the RED (Right-wing Student Rally) or former Alvarium, a far-right group dissolved in 2021, appeared for “participation in a group formed with a view to preparing violence”. Two of them were also prosecuted for carrying a weapon. One of them finally had to respond with violence.
On the evening of June 30, in the wake of urban violence following the death of Nahel, killed by police fire, participants in a prohibited demonstration against police violence had been dispersed by the police. About sixty of them then went to rue du Cornet, in the city center of Angers, where the local identity is located. Throws of projectiles and blows had followed, on both sides.
Armed with bats and pieces of wood
In this context, far-right activists were seen every evening, in and around their premises, armed with bats and pieces of wood, some masked. Videos posted on social media showed them advancing towards the attackers and, in one case, committing violence.
The defense lawyers pleaded for acquittal, arguing the state of necessity, as defined by article 122-7 of the Criminal Code. While considering that the offense of participation in a group formed with a view to preparing violence was indeed characterized, as well as the carrying of a weapon, the judges made the state of necessity prevail, with the exception of the activist accused of violence.
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