Versailles Appeals Court Reclassifies Charge in Nahel Merzouk Shooting

Overview

• On March 5, the chamber of instruction in Versailles ruled that officer Florian M. will be tried for voluntary violence causing death without intent to kill.
• Investigating judges had previously ordered him to stand trial for murder over the June 27, 2023 shooting in Nanterre.
• The 51-page decision concludes homicidal intent was not established, diverging from earlier findings that cited point‑blank fire and disproportionality.
• The defense had sought a dismissal and argued the shot could be legitimate under article L.435-1 of the internal security code, but the court did not adopt that position.
• Lawyers for the victim’s family denounced the decision, and the parties can still pursue a further appeal before the Cour de cassation.