French Police Officer Charged with Murder in Nahel Case
Officer accused of fatally shooting 17-year-old Nahel M. to stand trial in 2026.
In a significant development regarding the case of Nahel M., a 17-year-old who was fatally shot by a police officer on June 27, 2023, in Nanterre, a French police officer will stand trial for murder.
On June 3, the public prosecutor and the president of the Nanterre court announced that the officer, identified as Florian M., is charged with voluntary homicide.
This announcement follows an order from two investigating judges who have formally charged the officer and determined that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that he was justified in using his firearm.
According to the judicial decision, there are indications that the principles of proportionality and absolute necessity have not been respected in this case.
The magistrates indicated that, pending any appeals and associated timeframes, a trial is anticipated to take place in the second or third quarter of 2026 at the Hauts-de-Seine Assize Court.
The decision to prosecute follows the prosecution's requests made in March of this year to forward the case to trial.
Additionally, the second police officer who was present during the incident has not been charged and has been released from culpability regarding complicity in murder.
Nahel was shot at close range during a traffic stop.
His death sparked significant unrest across France, leading to multiple nights of riots.
Subsequent to the shooting, a murder investigation was launched which concluded on August 2. Initial police claims suggested that Nahel attempted to drive towards an officer, but this was contradicted by amateur footage shared on social media that captured the incident.
Following the announcement of the trial, Florian M.'s attorney expressed disappointment yet acknowledged the outcome was expected, stating an appeal would be filed shortly.
The officer had previously been held in custody for five months during the inquiry and was later released under judicial supervision.
He maintains that his actions were legitimate and that he intends to defend himself in court.
Advocates for Nahel’s family, including his mother’s lawyer, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision to bring charges for murder, reflecting a shared belief in the seriousness of the charge initiated against the police officer.
The lawyers representing both sides are preparing for the court proceedings, as the case's implications continue to resonate throughout France.
On June 3, the public prosecutor and the president of the Nanterre court announced that the officer, identified as Florian M., is charged with voluntary homicide.
This announcement follows an order from two investigating judges who have formally charged the officer and determined that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that he was justified in using his firearm.
According to the judicial decision, there are indications that the principles of proportionality and absolute necessity have not been respected in this case.
The magistrates indicated that, pending any appeals and associated timeframes, a trial is anticipated to take place in the second or third quarter of 2026 at the Hauts-de-Seine Assize Court.
The decision to prosecute follows the prosecution's requests made in March of this year to forward the case to trial.
Additionally, the second police officer who was present during the incident has not been charged and has been released from culpability regarding complicity in murder.
Nahel was shot at close range during a traffic stop.
His death sparked significant unrest across France, leading to multiple nights of riots.
Subsequent to the shooting, a murder investigation was launched which concluded on August 2. Initial police claims suggested that Nahel attempted to drive towards an officer, but this was contradicted by amateur footage shared on social media that captured the incident.
Following the announcement of the trial, Florian M.'s attorney expressed disappointment yet acknowledged the outcome was expected, stating an appeal would be filed shortly.
The officer had previously been held in custody for five months during the inquiry and was later released under judicial supervision.
He maintains that his actions were legitimate and that he intends to defend himself in court.
Advocates for Nahel’s family, including his mother’s lawyer, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision to bring charges for murder, reflecting a shared belief in the seriousness of the charge initiated against the police officer.
The lawyers representing both sides are preparing for the court proceedings, as the case's implications continue to resonate throughout France.