A trial is set to begin this Monday in Paris, in the absence of the suspect, Charaf-Din Aberouz. Aberouz, a jihadist whose nationality has been revoked and who is currently in Morocco, is being prosecuted for “death threats.”
Threats Made During Magnanville Trial
The target of these threats is Thibault de Montbrial, a lawyer renowned for his commitment to defending victims of terrorism. The threats were reportedly made during the Magnanville trial, where Montbrial was representing the family of the assassinated police officer.
“Don’t worry, he’s dead”
The incident occurred on October 6, 2023. Following a heated exchange between lawyers, the presiding judge of the assize court ordered a suspension of the hearing. Charaf-Din Aberouz, seated in the public gallery, rose and approached the defendants’ box. Addressing his brother through the glass, he allegedly said, “Don’t worry, he’s dead,” while miming a throat-slitting gesture with his index finger in the direction of the civil parties’ benches.
Thibault de Montbrial did not witness the scene directly, but multiple testimonies corroborate the account, including that of a gendarme responsible for security at the hearing. Aberouz disputes this version of events, but for the investigating judges, the facts are established: the threats were indeed aimed at the lawyer.
Damning Evidence Uncovered
Investigators discovered photos and messages mentioning Me de Montbrial on Aberouz’s phone. One of these messages was sent to a jihadist who carried out an attack on the Bir-Hakeim bridge in Paris just weeks later. The suspect has a prior conviction of five years in prison for terrorism.
This radicalized Islamist was known for training new recruits to slaughter rabbits in La Courneuve Park in the early 2010s. He was also convicted in 2023 for death threats against an anti-terrorism police officer.
The trial is proceeding in Aberouz’s absence, highlighting the complexities of international legal cooperation when suspects are abroad. The court will consider the evidence presented and the testimonies to determine his culpability in this case of death threats against a prominent public figure.
