After the Metz public prosecutor’s office accepted the homophobic nature of the fatal attack suffered by the young Noahm on May 30, the lawyers of the two suspects believe that the justice system was influenced by “political positions”.
The decision of the Metz public prosecutor’s office to examine the homophobic trail in the murder of young Noahm, although it had not initially retained it, could have been influenced by public opinion or “political positions”, worried the lawyers of the two suspects in this case, this Friday, June 12.
After the death of the 19-year-old man, following a violent attack on May 30 in the early morning, many voices were raised to denounce a homophobic crime, notably that of the rebellious leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Tuesday, during a minute of silence, the National Assembly associated this tragedy with the death of little Lyhanna.
The public prosecutor of Metz, David Touvet, initially affirmed that the first elements of the investigation did not support the theory according to which Noahm was attacked because he was homosexual. He finally announced on Thursday that the investigation had been extended to possible homophobic motivation, which would constitute an aggravating circumstance.
“Obviously”, the prosecution has “suddenly changed its mind following the minute of silence (at) the National Assembly and the various political and public positions”, lamented in a press release Me Anthony Besnier, who defends one of the two suspects arrested after the tragedy, Aged 27.
“This cannot be acceptable in a rule of law where the judiciary must be independent,” continued the lawyer, who wonders “how public figures, and in particular politicians of all stripes, were able to take a position when they do not have access to the file”.
For Me Nadège Nehlig, who defends the other accused, aged 20, “the intense media coverage seems to have led to an unusual acceleration of the procedure, which necessarily raises questions about respect for the rights of the defence”.
This case, she said in a separate press release, shows “how public opinion can influence the judicial tempo”. However, “by wanting to reassure public opinion too much, we end up exploiting the law and weakening the very role of the judge”, she warned.
“Serious and consistent clues”
On the other hand, for Me Sophie Friha, who defends Noahm’s family, the fact that the investigation now relates to a possible homophobic dimension is a “good thing”.
The prosecution made its decision based on “serious and consistent evidence”, “not by political pressure nor based on the minute of silence”, said the lawyer, who mentioned “a combination of circumstances”.
The family, she stressed, hopes that this tragedy can raise awareness in society about the fight against violence, but “wants to avoid exploitation by political parties”.
Noahm’s death must be remembered on Saturday in Metz during the Pride March organized by the LGBT+ community. A cousin of the young man must speak to pay tribute to him, said Marie Olléon-Dumas, director of the Couleurs Gaies association. The president of the LFI group in the National Assembly, Mathilde Panot, also announced her participation.
