One of the accomplices in the deadly Christmas market attack in Strasbourg was handed 30 years in prison, a French court ruled Thursday.
The 42-year-old accomplice from the Ivory Coast, Audrey M., went to trial in February along with three others over their roles assisting in the attack. He was the main defendant in the trial, and is accused of helping the perpetrator of the attack with a firearm.
The 29-year-old attacker, Cherif Chekatt, was shot dead by police after a massive manhunt. He killed five people and wounded 11 others when he opened fire on the open-air market.
What did the court rule?
The court ruled that the main defendant knew that Chekatt was planning the attack. The “Islamic State” had claimed responsiblity for the violence.
Audrey M. has denied that he knew of Chekatt’s plans.
Two of the other accomplices on trial, Christian H. and Frederic B., were given sentences of four and five years, but of they likely will not serve much time behind bars if at all due to their lengthy pre-trial detention.
A fourth suspect was acquitted on Thursday.
The accomplices handed jail time on Thursday willl be able to appeal their prison sentences.
The Christmas market in Strasbourg is one of Europe’s oldest, and is also home to the European Parliament.
One of the victims was on a Thai national who was on vacation in the city, whereas another was an Italian journalist who frequently traveled to the European Parliament to interview EU lawmakers.
wd, rm/dj (AFP, DW)
