Landy and his brother Teylian, aged five and four at the time of the events, shared their experiences with the court during the Nice attack appeal trial. They expressed their emotions through a text they had written themselves, marking their first time speaking out after almost eight years since the tragic events of 14 July 2016. Landy, now 13, and Teylian, 12, read out their account of the terror they experienced that evening, when 86 people, including 15 children, lost their lives

They recounted the anguish they endured for thirty minutes, sharing poignant details such as the brutal separation from their eight-month-old brother, who was thrown into the crowd with his pushchair. That night, they witnessed the terror of their parents, who were seriously injured. Landy shared her feelings of sadness and fear, recalling the confusion and anguish of being separated from her injured parents and transported to different hospitals.

In addition to their verbal testimony, Landy and Teylian presented photographs to the court, illustrating the physical and psychological after-effects they suffered as a result of the attack. Although they did not give evidence at the first appeal hearing, they felt the need to speak out this time, seeing it as a crucial step in their healing process.

After the hearing, Landy expressed his relief at finally being able to share his experience with the court, saying that they were now strong enough to do so. They felt it was important for their voices to be heard, regretting that they had not had this strength during the first trial.

Lawyers for the prosecution praised the resilience of the children, stressing that their testimony was essential if people were to remember the suffering endured by children during this tragedy. Although their testimony may not change the verdict, it is seen as crucial to their own recovery.

The parents of Landy and Teylian were not heard at this appeal trial, but other children are also expected to speak in the coming days. Of the eight defendants, only two appealed and were sentenced at first instance to 18 years’ imprisonment for their participation in a terrorist conspiracy. The perpetrator of the attack, Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, was shot dead by the police on the day of the attack, leaving 86 victims behind him, including around 15 children.