The trial for the murder of Pierre-Louis Giorgi is looming. The defense of Anthony Padovani, indicted in this case, announced on Monday, April 27, in Corse-Matin that they have decided to file a request for a change of jurisdiction before the Court of Cassation, “so that this case is judged in a neutral territory, more conducive to serenity and impartiality.”
The six lawyers state that they have “always believed that this case should be judged in Corsica, but without excitement, without hatred, and in serenity.” However, they note “with regret that this prerequisite is impossible.” According to them, a “particularly tense context” would make it impossible to meet “the requirement of simple appearance of impartiality.”
Defense lawyers denounce “pressures, insults, and threats”
They cite as evidence “the numerous marches and demonstrations, the tributes, the public positions taken on this case, especially by elected officials, and the high media coverage often leading to amalgamations.”
The defense of Anthony Padovani also mentions “pressures, insults, and threats” that his family and lawyers have allegedly faced. These conditions would make “unthinkable holding a trial in Corsica” before a trial court whose jurors would, according to the defense lawyers, “necessarily be under influence.”
Me Julien Pinelli, lawyer for the family of Pierre-Louis Giorgi, “does not intend to comment on Mr. Padovani’s defense strategy.” Me Jean-François Casalta, also a counsel for civil parties, also does not wish to comment on this request. However, he believes that this case “does not require a change of jurisdiction even though we are requesting a justice closest to the litigant.”
A change of jurisdiction in such a trial often entails substantial costs for the parties
As many civil parties have testified, a change of jurisdiction in such a trial often represents a considerable cost for them. They have to find accommodations, live on-site, and pay the additional fees for their lawyers on top of the fees.
The defense will find out in the coming weeks whether the Court of Cassation approves the change of jurisdiction or not. The trial date is currently unknown, as the procedure has not yet been concluded.
On the evening of December 23, 2024, at the Lamparo establishment in Ajaccio, Anthony Padovani shot Pierre-Louis Giorgi, who was unarmed. The victim succumbed on the morning of December 24. Six other people were seriously injured in the shooting. On this Christmas Eve, the events deeply shocked the city of Ajaccio and beyond, sparking numerous reactions.
Context:
– Pierre-Louis Giorgi was shot and killed by Anthony Padovani in Ajaccio. – The defense is requesting a change of jurisdiction due to concerns about impartiality in Corsica. – The case has caused a significant impact on the community and raised issues of justice and fairness.
Fact Check:
– Me Philippe Gatti, Franck Berton, Yasmina Belmoktar, Paul Sollacaro, Anna Maria Sollacaro, and Lina Achour are the defense lawyers representing Anthony Padovani.
