Limoges town hall fire: two suspects remanded in custody
Two men aged 40 and 66 have been formally charged and placed in provisional detention for the fire at the town hall that occurred on 17 October, with charges including attempted murder of municipal police officers.
Limoges town hall fire: two suspects remanded in custody
According to Actu17, the two men suspected of setting fire to Limoges town hall on 17 October were formally charged and remanded in custody on Saturday morning. Aged 40 and 66, they are being prosecuted notably for attempted murder of holders of public authority. Thirteen municipal police officers were inside the building at the time of the incident.
Republic Prosecutor Émilie Abrantes announced that the investigating judge has brought charges under several counts: attempted murder of a holder of public authority, destruction of property belonging to others by dangerous means carried out in an organised group, criminal association with a view to preparing a crime, death threats against a person in office, and destruction of police vehicles.
The first suspect, originally from Creuse, was arrested on Tuesday morning in Val-d'Issoire by the RAID. According to a source close to the investigation, he is believed to be affiliated with the far-left movement and is the subject of an S file. He is known to have committed violence against holders of public authority. The second man, aged 66, was arrested Thursday morning in Creuse, also with the assistance of the RAID.
The investigation took a significant turn on Thursday when the prosecution extended the custody of the man in his forties on the charge of attempted murder. This decision was based on analysis of the chronology, footage from a National Police drone and interviews with the thirteen police officers. Republican party mayor Guillaume Guérin told AFP that these officers had been able to leave the building whilst the assailants were threatening them with death.
The fire broke out on 17 October in the late afternoon, during a day of protests against the high cost of living. The perpetrators entered through the cellars before starting the fire, which spread to the roof spaces. Despite firefighters' efforts throughout the night, the roof and the 43-metre bell tower collapsed. Inaugurated in 1883 and listed as a historical monument, the building was largely destroyed, with the exception of its administrative wing. The mayor estimates the damage at several tens of millions of euros, or possibly more than one hundred million.
The investigation was conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Directorate (SDAT) jointly with the Organised and Specialised Crime Division (DCOS) of Limoges. Investigations are continuing under the direction of the investigating magistrate.
Source: Actu17