Murder of teacher Paty: appeals court reduces sentences

Four people have again been sentenced to prison in the appeal trial over the Islamist-motivated murder of French teacher Samuel Paty.

An appeals court upheld the 15-year prison sentence handed to an Islamist preacher in connection with the case, several French media outlets reported. However, the court reduced three other sentences, those of a student’s father and two friends of the attacker.

Samuel Paty was killed in October 2020 after showing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a classroom discussion on freedom of expression. His murder shocked France and prompted a nationwide debate on extremism, free speech and security.

The appeal proceedings focused on the roles played by individuals accused of contributing to the climate that led to the attack. While the court confirmed the preacher’s 15-year sentence, it found grounds to lower the penalties imposed on the other three defendants.

(est)