The Nanterre prosecutor's office has requested, on March 4, 2025, the indictment of police officer Florian M. for the murder of Nahel Merzouk, who was shot on June 27, 2023. This incident has triggered widespread outrage, with the family of the victim expressing relief as the case approaches trial. Nahel, 17 years old, was killed at point-blank range during a police check after refusing to comply with officers. The shooting ignited intense public reaction and numerous riots across various French cities.
Florian M., a former military officer well-acquainted with firearms, is accused of firing his weapon negligently after Nahel’s vehicle, which was blocked by traffic, attempted to restart. The prosecutor highlighted key elements prompting this request for murder charges, including the police officer's familiarity with weaponry and the circumstances surrounded by rising tensions at the scene.
The prosecutor's statement notes, "A ballistic expert concluded the weapon could cause serious injuries at distances of several hundred meters. Yet, he fired from just centimeters away from the windshield." This contradictory assessment raises serious questions about the justification for lethal force.
Despite Florian M.'s assertion of intending to shoot at the lower part of Nahel's body, the prosecutor emphasized, "These conditions constitute irresponsible risk-taking, especially considering the driver's low position within the vehicle and the subsequent serious injury sustained to Nahel's vitals." The prosecutor pointedly remarked, "The objective was to prevent the vehicle from moving, which could have potentially been achieved by targeting non-vital areas, such as the hood or tires." The shooting manifests as more than just inappropriate; it highlights the absence of immediate threat when the shot was fired.
After the shooting, Nahel's car crashed against a cement block just meters away from the scene. Initial police accounts claimed Nahel had endangered Florian by driving toward him, but evidence from bystander videos shattered this narrative, depicting the shocking reality of the incident. Following the release of this footage, public demand for accountability surged.
It was on August 2, 2023, when the murder investigation concluded, with findings confirming the contradictions detailed by the prosecutor. The prosecutor Schneider noted, "The shooting was executed under conditions of extreme tension; [the police officer] should have remained calm." An analysis conducted during judicial reconstructions on May 5, 2024, established there were no injuries inflicted on Nahel during the confrontation with the police.
Margot Pugliese, the lawyer representing Nahel's family, stressed the necessary legal classification of murder, echoing sentiments shared by Me Frank Berton, attorney for Nahel’s mother, who stated, "The gesture is voluntary, and the intention to kill is evident." The prosecution's recommendations have stirred strong reactions among union representatives and police advocacy groups. Linda Kebbab, spokesperson for the Un1té police union, expressed shock, stating, "What kind of precedent does this set? Can officers truly be prosecuted for trying to make our streets safer?"
On the other hand, the union Alliance condemned the indictment as "unacceptable," calling for mass demonstrations among police personnel nationwide. They are urged to voice their discontent before police stations across the country.
If held accountable under prosecution for this case, Florian M. would likely face historical consequences — it would mark the first time a police officer stands trial for murder resulting from on-duty actions.
Reports reveal financial support has rallied for Florian's family, raising over 1.6 million euros following the incident, contrasting sharply with the grief embodied by Nahel's family. Mounia Merzouk, Nahel’s mother, expressed her emotional turmoil at the loss of her son. According to her lawyer, she felt "dead inside" and considered relocating from France amid the court proceedings.
Raphaël Adam, the mayor of Nanterre, underlined the community's demand for justice, stating, "This situation demands truth and accountability for Nahel's family and the residents of our city." The final decisions about this case rest with the investigating judge, who will determine if the prosecution’s recommendations lead to trial.
The combination of public unrest following Nahel's death and this prosecution may catalyze broader discussions surrounding police accountability and the use of lethal force within policing frameworks. With mounting pressure from the public and legal representations, the potential for change is palpable as these cases increasingly challenge the narratives surrounding police conduct.