French prosecutor dismisses complaint in Samuel Paty case

A complaint filed by lawyers for Islamist activist Abdelhakim Sefrioui has been dismissed by the Nanterre prosecutor. Sefrioui, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the conditions leading to the assassination of teacher Samuel Paty, had alleged violations of investigative secrecy, professional secrecy, and the receiving of stolen goods.

The legal team argued that precise details regarding Sefrioui’s 2020 police custody were leaked to the press and that a Wikipedia page containing inaccurate biographical information was published during his initial interrogation. The prosecutor dismissed the case on October 12, citing the principle of the secrecy of sources, which made it impossible to identify the authors of the alleged leaks.

Sefrioui’s defense counsel has expressed disagreement with the decision, stating that while the secrecy of sources is essential, it should not prevent investigations into those who contributed to the disputed Wikipedia entry.