The trial of Martial Lanoir began this week at the Paris Assizes. He is accused of shooting and killing Eric Casado Lopez, a 27-year-old man of Moroccan and Spanish descent, in May 2022. On Tuesday, June 17, Lanoir, known for his conspiracy-driven online speeches, insisted that he did not «intend to kill» and denied any accusations of racism, according to Ouest-France. The incident occurred one night in May on Boulevard de Clichy. Lanoir, driving his car, reportedly intervened after witnessing an altercation. He claims he wanted to step in, but one of the men told him to leave. He then allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Casado Lopez in the head before fleeing. At the time of his arrest, Lanoir was found with packed suitcases, apparently ready to leave. In court, Lanoir expressed regret and apologized to the victim's family, stating the shot was fired «unintentionally». He described himself as a «patriot», not a racist, and mentioned his family life with Japanese partners. However, a message posted shortly before the incident on a Telegram group called the «anti-smiths», which Lanoir moderated, raises questions. The message contained hateful language calling for the «elimination of cockroaches» and included anti-Semitic references. Lanoir denies writing it and suggests the possibility of a voice forgery using «artificial intelligence». At this stage, the court has not found evidence of a racist motive. The trial is set to continue until June 20. Lanoir faces up to 30 years in prison.
