Overview
- The court heard the appeal in private on December 4 and scheduled its decision for March 5, 2026.
- Investigating judges ordered officer Florian M. to stand trial for murder, a decision he contests by asserting legitimate self‑defence.
- He claims he perceived danger to a colleague, to himself due to his position near a car and a wall, and to nearby pedestrians.
- Judges concluded the killing was voluntary, citing forensic findings that the shot was initially aimed lower and was deflected as the vehicle restarted, yet deeming the fatal risk foreseeable.
- The instruction was closed on June 3, and the pending ruling will decide if the assize referral is upheld in a case that followed Nahel Merzouk’s June 2023 killing in Nanterre and days of unrest; a second officer received no further action.