The president of the Special Assize Court of Paris announced Thursday to the parties that the trial of the 2015 attacks would resume Monday after a three-week hiatus despite the persistent indisposition of his main accused, announced the national anti-terrorism prosecution.
Ali Riza Polat, tried for "complicity" in terrorist crimes, was seized with vomiting on October 28 and then tested positive for Covid-19 three days later, which led to the suspension of the trial.
This suspension had been extended until at least November 23, while Mr. Polat, imprisoned in a Parisian prison, still presents "digestive disorders" incompatible with his presence in the box of the accused.
The accused was again examined Thursday by a doctor, who concluded that "the state of health of the person concerned is, to date, not compatible with a physical appearance at the hearing but that his participation by videoconference is however possible ”, indicated the president of the court, Régis de Jorna, in a message made public by the antiterrorist prosecution.
The magistrate added that he was therefore considering resorting to an order taken Wednesday by the government "authorizing the use of an audiovisual telecommunication means before all criminal courts", that is to say by allowing Ali Riza Polat to follow the trial by videoconference.
A "worrying" state of health
"As a result, the hearings will resume on Monday 23 November at 9:30 am," President de Jorna concluded in his message to the parties.
This decision comes despite the appeal of Ali's mother Riza Polat, who demanded Thursday his transport to hospital because of his "worrying" state of health.
"Before it is too late, my son should be rushed to hospital as soon as possible for tests and exams and urgently needed treatment after the diagnosis," asked Mr. Polat in a statement sent to his lawyer and then to all the parties to the trial.
"The health and life of Ali Riza Polat are threatened", wrote his mother again in her statement consulted by AFP, regretting that her son was "deprived of health care which is a right (...) fundamental".
"I am outraged that a Keeper of the Seals (Eric Dupond-Moretti, Editor's note) who has spent a large part of his life as a defense lawyer dares to sponsor a text that will deprive defendants in an assize trial of their rights of defense, ”lambasted Me Isabelle Coutant Peyre, who defends Ali Riza Polat.