On November 3, a highly charged atmosphere surrounded the Haute-Vienne Court of Appeal as it examined appeals filed by two individuals suspected of orchestrating the arson attack on the Limoges town hall. The fire, which occurred on October 17 during nationwide unrest, destroyed the building's roof and bell tower. Supported by approximately forty sympathizers outside the courthouse, the suspects, aged 34 and 66, sought to have their formal charges annulled and their pre-trial detention lifted, arguing that the evidence against them is insufficient.
Henri Braun, an attorney for the 34-year-old suspect, described the prosecution's file as "quite empty." He contended that the primary evidence consists of a video that fails to clearly identify his client. Braun further alleged that public opinion, media coverage, and pressure from the executive branch influenced the judiciary to pursue extreme legal qualifications, including attempted murder of a police officer and destruction of the town hall. The 34-year-old, characterized by prosecutors as the most active ringleader, remained silent during the hearing but requested his release.
The defense team also highlighted political interference in the proceedings. Raphaël Kempf, representing the 66-year-old suspect, cited specific political pressures exerted by Limoges Mayor Guillaume Guérin. The older suspect explained that his involvement stemmed from a "terrible coincidence of circumstances," noting he had called the younger suspect regarding car battery issues and left pliers with him before the fire. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the 66-year-old ordering a drink at a fast-food outlet shortly after the incident.
Prosecutors rejected the defense's arguments, characterizing the 34-year-old as a flight risk who discarded his phone upon seeing police. The prosecutor argued that there is a fear of renewed criminal activity and requested that detention be maintained. Guillaume Laverdure, another lawyer for the younger suspect, dismissed the notion of his client being a scapegoat but mocked the severity of the charges by stating that in this case, "the victim is walls." He criticized the procedure as being absorbed by the political sphere.
The hearing took place under heavy police security, with tensions flaring before the session due to disputes over filming. A banner displayed outside read, "The arsonist is the government; we are all training camps." As the two suspects left the courtroom, they were greeted with applause and raised fists from their supporters. The court is expected to deliver its decision on the appeals by Thursday.
Sources: Le Monde Politique.