The 46-year-old Franco-Tunisian, close to the author of the attack of July 14, 2016 on the Promenade des Anglais, is one of the three accused in this trial prosecuted for association with a terrorist criminal. He was questioned this Friday, November 4 on the facts.
From our special correspondent at the Paris courthouse,
” I had nothing to do with the attack, things of everyday life were turned against me, but I assure you that I saw nothing coming. Before the special assize court, Mohamed Ghraieb claims his innocence, but defends it very badly. He continues the “ I don’t know », « I do not understand », promises the « transparency “, but, even on trivial subjects, multiplies contradictions and convoluted justifications.
Despite 1,278 contacts in one year with the future killer of the Promenade des Anglais, Mohamed Ghraieb affirms it: this one was only “ an acquaintance, not a friend “. And it was a client of his hotel to whom he had lent his phone who allegedly sent Mohamed Lahouaeij-Bouhlel two messages glorifying the attack on Charlie Hebdohe says.
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For the court, his explanations are globally not very credible; for the floor, downright misleading. ” You know I’m not here to corner you, but to understand “, yet encourages the president. ” That you realized that your friend was responsible for the attack does not make you someone who participated in a terrorist criminal association. “, he still assures.
The magistrate reviews the incriminating evidence. There is in particular this video of the accused on the Promenade des Anglais the day after the attack, which the victims interpret as a celebration. Of the ” unhealthy curiosity “, suggests the magistrate. Nothing to do with the attack, maintains Mohamed Ghraieb, ” there was the beach, the sun… » « Ah, sure, it was a beautiful day “, quips the president.
And what about his trip on July 11 in the killer’s truck or the message sent by the latter just before launching his truck on the Prom ‘, citing his name in connection with weapons? ” Lahouaiej-Bouhlel trapped me “, hammers desperately the accused. ” Why not, admits the president. But for what purpose? » « I don’t know, I wasn’t in that freak’s head “, argues Mohamed Ghraieb.
Civil parties, usually offensive, will not ask questions. ” He’s sunk enough on his own “says a lawyer.