2015 Paris terror attacks: The biggest trial in French history begins
Issued on:
France is putting on trial 20 men accused in the Islamic State group's 2015 attacks on Paris that left 130 people dead and hundreds injured. The proceedings begin Wednesday in an enormous custom-designed chamber. Nine gunmen and suicide bombers struck within minutes of each other at the national soccer stadium, the Bataclan concert hall and restaurants and cafes on Nov. 13, 2015. The lone survivor of the extremist cell from that night is among those being tried for the deadliest attack in France since World War II. Michael Dantinne, Professor in Criminology at the University of Liege, addresses this important milestone. "This trial is really an important step for the victims, those who have been wounded or injured, and those who lost members of their families." But Mr. Dantinne reminds us that "it is only a step in the recovery process of the victims" and that we will need to tone down any expectations. "It won't have any magical effect," warns Mr. Dantinne, "the trial is not going to clear all that had happened, all of their suffering, etc." Mr. Dantinne concludes by explaining one very important aspect of the trial. "The trial will be recorded to be used in the school. We mustn't forget what happened in France in November 2015."