Prosecutors Seek 27 and 20 Years in Paris Trial Over Killing of Rugby Player Federico Aramburu

French prosecutors have requested prison sentences of 27 years and 20 years against two defendants standing trial in Paris over the killing of former professional rugby player Federico Martin Aramburu, according to Le Monde.

Loïc Le Priol, who is being prosecuted on a charge of assassination, and Romain Bouvier, charged with attempted assassination, have been on trial before the Paris assize court since 7 September. Prosecutors are seeking a 27-year sentence against Le Priol and a 20-year sentence against Bouvier.

Aramburu, a former international rugby player, was killed in Paris in 2022 after being shot twice in the back. The case drew significant attention in France and in rugby circles internationally, given Aramburu's profile as a former professional athlete.

The distinction in the charges against the two defendants, assassination for Le Priol and attempted assassination for Bouvier, reflects differing allegations about each man's role in the shooting, according to the proceedings. Under French law, a charge of assassination implies premeditation, distinguishing it from other homicide charges that do not require proof of advance intent.

The trial has proceeded over more than two weeks before the Paris assize court, with a verdict expected on Friday. French assize courts, which handle the most serious criminal cases including murder, are composed of professional judges alongside a jury of citizens.

Neither defendant's response to the prosecution's sentencing request was detailed in the available report.