At the November 13 trial, survivors speak to the accused

Claire Josserand-Schmidt (C), lawyer for members of the Eagles of Death Metal, arrives with her clients to be heard during the trial in Paris on November 13, 2015 in a temporary courtroom set up at the Palais de Justice, the courthouse historic Paris, May 17, 2022. AFP - GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT

Text by: RFI Follow

2 mins

The survivors of the attacks of November 13, 2015 again at the helm.

After a week-long hiatus due to Covid-19, the trial resumed on Tuesday, May 17.

The specially composed Court of Assizes has resumed hearing the survivors of these attacks who could not be heard last October.

Some took advantage of their testimonies to address the accused.

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With our special correspondent at the Special Assize Court of Paris,

Marine de la Moissonnière

"

 The defendants missed history with a capital H

 ", asserts Cédric, survivor of the Bataclan.

For many months, we gave them the opportunity to explain themselves, and they very little seized this chance

 ", explains this teacher-researcher in History-Geography who says he often had the impression of face " 

small delinquents 

" in " 

a vulgar stup' trial

 ".

“ 

Meanwhile, we are going to enjoy life

 ”

But "

 in a way, it's better

 ", continues Cédric, because the defendants will spend many years in their cell, forgotten by all.

And “ 

during this time, we are going to enjoy life

 ”.

From this trial,

History will only retain the testimony of the civil parties

, he concludes.

Often poignant testimonies, like that of Félix, 27, extremely moved when he steps up to the bar.

He came to address those who were at the Bataclan, like him.

For three years, he had no memory of that evening.

Just a feeling of “ 

hangover 

” and the impression of having “

 done a stupid thing

 ”.

Thanks to a psychological follow-up, everything finally comes back to him.

It's something that haunts me

 "

To get out

," he said, "

I shoved, I trampled on anyone who got in my way.

It's something that haunts me

.

It is to apologize to these people that the young man came to testify today.

"

I may not be in the dock, but I live with my guilt every day

 ," he said in tears.

“ 

You are a victim

 ,” interrupts the president.

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  • Trial of the attacks of November 13

  • France

  • Terrorism

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