The shooting sparked a wave of unrest across France in 2023, particularly in suburban areas of major cities.

On Tuesday, the Nanterre Municipal Court ruled that police officer Florian M., who fatally shot teenager Nahel Merzouk, will stand trial for murder.

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The judges concluded the investigative proceedings with a decision to send the officer to the Criminal Court on a charge of murder, aligning with the prosecution’s request. The other officer involved in the incident, who did not fire his weapon, was exonerated.

Florian M.’s attorney said he would appeal the decision and request that the case be dismissed. The officer spent five months in prison before being released under judicial supervision while awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

The incident occurred on June 27, 2023, when two teenagers were driving recklessly in a rented sports vehicle. Their behavior drew the attention of police officers, who attempted to stop them. The vehicle fled until it was eventually trapped in traffic.

When the officers approached, the vehicle started moving again. One of the officers fired his weapon, fatally striking the driver, 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk, who did not have a driver’s license. Merzouk was born in France to parents of North African origin.

The shooting sparked a wave of unrest across France, particularly in suburban areas of major cities where disadvantaged populations and racial minorities or immigrants are concentrated, in protest against police violence.

The unrest, which included damage to buildings, vehicles, and public property, lasted eight days and resulted in more than 3,000 arrests and over 1,000 injuries.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: EFE

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