Terror suspect in Nice trial: “I am not a terrorist” “False and absurd”: Defense of ex-Wirecard boss Braun rejects allegations

In the trial of the Islamist-motivated attack in Nice that killed 86 people, one of the terror suspects denied any connection to the crime in his closing statement.

“I have nothing to do with what happened,” the suspect said Monday at the Paris Palace of Justice. “I’m not a terrorist.” The second man, who accused the public prosecutor’s office of membership of a terrorist organization in the closing argument, did not comment on Monday. According to the indictment, both men had close contact with the killer. They would have known about his attitude and that he was capable of carrying out an attack.

On July 14, 2016, the French National Day, Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove a heavy truck into a crowd on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. He also shot people. 86 people were killed, including two students and a teacher from Berlin. More than 200 people were injured. The perpetrator was shot dead after the crime.

The terrorist militia Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the crime. The researchers found evidence of the Islamist radicalization of the perpetrator, but no direct link to IS.

The defendant, who was given the gun used by the gunman in the attack, said in his closing statement that he hadn’t thought it through. The remaining five defendants, who were involved in acquiring a weapon, largely apologized for their transgressions in their closing remarks.

After the defendants had spoken in closing, the court retired for deliberations. The verdict in the case is expected to be announced on Tuesday afternoon. (aeg/sda/dpa)