Murder Trial Requested for Policeman Who Shot and Killed Nahel

On March 4, 2025, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office requested that the policeman responsible for the fatal shot that killed Nahel on June 27, 2023, be referred to the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court. The 17-year-old was killed during a refusal to comply with a police order while driving, an incident that sparked riots and violence across France for several days. The policeman, Florian M., 38, who was a member of the Hauts-de-Seine territorial road safety company, had been charged with voluntary homicide shortly after the event. He was placed in provisional detention for five months, a decision that deeply shocked parts of the national police.

No Charges Sought for Second Policeman Involved

Meanwhile, the prosecutor has requested a dismissal of charges for the second policeman involved, who was initially accused of complicity in murder. The investigating judges will now decide on these requests and determine the next steps in the case.

Thorough Investigation and Detailed Reconstruction of Events

These requests come after nearly two years of investigation, which included numerous witness testimonies, expert analyses (ballistics, 3D modeling, accidentology), and a detailed reconstruction on May 4, 2024. A report of over 150 pages revealed that, despite Nahel’s voluntary attempt to drive away, the officer was not in a position of “imminent danger” when he fired. This report has fueled debates and interviews with the involved officers and witnesses, the results of which were published by BFMTV in August 2024.

Statements from the Police and Nahel’s Family

For the officer who fired the shot, the tragedy was the direct result of Nahel’s refusal to comply. During a confrontation, he stated, “If [Nahel] had complied from the start and pulled over to the side of the road, none of this would have happened.” Meanwhile, one year after the death of her son, Nahel’s mother expressed deep sorrow, saying she felt “dead inside” and planned to leave France after the trial and the conviction of those responsible.

The case continues to capture public attention as Nahel’s family and authorities await the decisions of the investigating judges.