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A Verdict Recognizing the Homophobic Nature of the Crimes

Following a week of deliberations in the Vaucluse Assize Court in Avignon, the court delivered its decision regarding two premeditated attacks against gay men in 2023, one of which resulted in a fatality. Out of the six individuals charged, five were found guilty on June 8.

The two main defendants, Aymène L., 24, and Intissar A., 25, were convicted of murder, aggravated by the victims’ sexual orientation, and each received a 22-year prison sentence. The partners of these men, charged with complicity in theft, were also found guilty. Another defendant, Malek E., 24, received a ten-year sentence for armed extortion and kidnapping. The sixth defendant was acquitted.

This case is part of a broader context of violence against LGBT+ individuals, as reflected by the rising number of homophobic attacks reported in Nantes.

The Targeting of Victims Through a Dating Platform

The investigation unveiled a strategy common in several similar cases. The group used the Coco dating platform to connect with gay men, arrange meetings, and subsequently rob them.

During the trial, a phrase attributed to the defendants highlighted this approach: “Tonight, we make money.” Investigations revealed that the victims were specifically chosen to be robbed after being deceived into trust.

The Death of Mickaël Roussin During a Home Invasion

On March 5, 2023, 30-year-old Mickaël Roussin fell victim to the group’s trap at his Sorgues home near Avignon. Court documents showed that while one assailant searched his residence for valuables, another pinned him down.

With a knee and cushion pressed against his face, Roussin died from asphyxiation within minutes. This case bore similarities to the 1995 murder of Pierre-Olivier M. in Noisy-le-Grand, where the 43-year-old cook was restrained and suffocated with a pillow to silence him.

Days after Roussin’s death, the group allegedly targeted another man, who survived the assault.

Homophobia as a Central Issue in the Trial

The designation of the crime as homophobic was a central issue during the trial. Although not initially applied during the investigation, court discussions led the jury to reconsider.

When questioned about the choice of victims, Intissar A. stated: “With gays, it’s easier. They’re willing to do anything for sex. They trust.”

The jurors concluded that the victims were targeted primarily due to their sexual orientation, validating the homophobic aggravating circumstance for all the crimes in question.

A Decision Praised by Anti-Discrimination Organizations

The Stop Homophobie association welcomed the judicial recognition, deeming it “an important step.” The organization emphasized that such attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a documented phenomenon in recent years.

Various media investigations had already highlighted the recurrence of these traps targeting homosexual men. According to 2023 data, at least one such case was reported weekly across France.

Readers can stay updated on these topics and LGBT+ rights in France by visiting the dedicated section on LGBT news and societal issues.

The Closure of Coco and Enhanced Preventative Measures

In 2024, Coco was shut down following a court ruling after being implicated in over 20,000 legal cases. The site reappeared as Cocoland, prompting a new investigation by the Paris prosecutor’s office.

In response to the rising attacks, the Interministerial Delegation to Fight Anti-LGBT Hate (Dilcrah) initiated an action plan in March, partnering with four major dating apps in France, including Grindr.

Authorities also emphasize the importance of taking precautions during online-arranged meetings. For initial encounters, it’s advised to choose a public, busy, and secure location to minimize risks.

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