Trial of Mehdi Nemmouche: A Chilling Speech Before the Verdict

On Friday, March 21, at the final day of his trial before the special assize court in Paris, Mehdi Nemmouche spoke for the last time. Accused of being a jailer of French journalists for Daesh in Syria in 2013, he reaffirmed his lack of remorse.

“I do not regret a single day, a single hour, a single act,” he declared, fully assuming his jihadist past. “Yes, I was a terrorist, and I will never apologize for it,” he added defiantly.

His speech provoked strong reactions from the civil parties. Former hostage Nicolas Hénin described it as “a call to jihad,” condemning what he saw as an attempt to incite further terrorist acts.

An Unwavering Defense

Since the trial began on February 17, Mehdi Nemmouche has denied ever detaining hostages, claiming he was merely a “soldier on the front line” against the Syrian regime. However, the anti-terrorism prosecution has portrayed him as “one of the most ruthless jihadists in recent years” and has requested a life sentence with a minimum of 22 years before parole eligibility.

In his final statement, the 39-year-old accused cited historical figures such as Stalin, Roosevelt, and Putin, launching a virulent attack against the West. “Daesh, in comparison, is just a small player,” he declared, before asserting that “terrorism is what freed the Syrian people from dictatorship.”

A Verdict Expected This Evening

Despite his provocations, Mehdi Nemmouche has remained steadfast in his defense, seemingly intent on leaving a lasting impression. But for the civil parties, the stakes go beyond this trial: “His goal is to secure a place in the pantheon of jihad. Mine will be to dismantle his image and his message,” stated Nicolas Hénin.

The court has retired to deliberate. The verdict is expected later in the evening, “not before 6 p.m.”