“Support for Activist Loïc Schneider Facing Sentencing in Germany for G20 Protests”

They are about thirty to have gathered this Tuesday at 9 a.m. in front of the judicial city of Nancy. Most come from the ultra-left. But no question of a concert of saucepans, banners against pension reform or anti-Macron slogans. It is less about demonstrating than supporting one of their own: Loïc Schneider.

This young activist in his twenties has, in fact, an appointment with a sentence enforcement judge to adjust, or not, part of the severe sentence he received in Germany. He was, in fact, sentenced to 3 years in prison for his participation in demonstrations which degenerated during the G20 in Hamburg, in July 2017.

The young man who just admits having thrown two stones and a bottle in the direction of the police and a firecracker in a bank, has served part of this sentence. He spent nearly a year and a half in prison in Germany before being released and returning to France. But he still has 440 days left in detention.

“A return to detention can reasonably be ruled out. Because the facts are very old. In addition, there have been no new convictions since and Loïc is inserted, ”analyzes his lawyer Me Christophe Sgro. Before the sentence enforcement judge, he pleaded for conditional release or, at worst, placement under an electronic bracelet of the young Nancy who works in an Ehpad in Laxou and in a collective of market gardeners in Haute-Marne.

Controversial ban on protests

The prosecutor’s office will be consulted. During the procedure, they would have just indicated that they were in favor of a ban on demonstrations. “It would be a serious and disproportionate attack on a fundamental freedom. It would also and above all be absurd. Because the German authorities did not pronounce this sentence. This therefore means that my client could no longer demonstrate in France where he did not commit an offense but could do so in Germany where he was sentenced”, argues Me Sgro.

In any case, the last word will go to the sentencing judge, who should rule in June. In the meantime, Loïc Schneider is free to demonstrate as he does regularly. Whether in Nancy, against pension reform. Or in ZADs, against development projects that he considers harmful to the environment.