The murder of Samuel Paty shook France.
It all happened in 2020 in the Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. Paty, who taught history and geography, gave a lesson on freedom of expression and then displayed the caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad previously published by the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
Then a 13-year-old girl lied to her father – a lie that would lead to a brutal murder.
The girl stated that she had been disciplined for confronting Paty, after he asked all Muslim students to leave the class before showing the cartoons.
The girl’s father subsequently published clips on social media calling for Samuel Paty to be fired.
Perpetrator was killed
Prosecutors believe the father’s post prompted an 18-year-old man to travel eight miles, from Normandy to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, to murder and behead the history teacher. The suspected perpetrator was subsequently shot dead by the police.
Last year, six teenagers were given suspended sentences and electronic monitoring for helping the killer identify Paty in exchange for payment.
Eight adults are now on trial for having been involved in the murder in various ways.
The 13-year-old girl’s 52-year-old father is charged with having, together with another man, started an extensive online campaign against the professor, which ultimately – according to the prosecutor – led to the murder. Together, the men posted video clips to designate Paty as a target, as well as precise information about his identity and his occupation.
Helped the killer with weapons
The 52-year-old is also said to have been in telephone contact with the 18-year-old perpetrator at nine times, reports French BFMTV. Both men face 30 years in prison.
Two other men are charged with aiding and abetting murder. Among other things, they allegedly helped the 18-year-old perpetrators buy a knife corresponding to the one found near his body.
Four other people, three men and one woman, are accused of supporting the suspected terrorist on messaging services such as Snapchat and Instagram.
Another four people, three men and one woman, are charged with criminal terrorist conspiracy, after communicating with the killer in jihadist Snapchat groups.
One of them sent smiling emojis after pictures of the severed teacher’s head were shared in the group.