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The trial involving six teenagers in the notorious beheading of French history teacher Samuel Paty in 2020 has begun.

Paty, 47, was targeted for showing parodies of the Prophet Muhammad in a class on freedom of expression. His murder, carried out by Abdoullakh Anzorov, an 18-year-old of Chechen origin, has become a closely watched case in France.

The defendants, between 14 and 15 years old at the time of the incident, entered the courtroom wearing hoodies to shield their identities. They face charges of criminal conspiracy with intent to cause violence for allegedly aiding Anzorov in identifying Paty. “During questioning, the teenagers swore that at most they thought Paty would be ‘flagged up on social media,’ ‘humiliated’ or maybe ‘roughed up’, but they never imagined ‘it would go as far as murder,'” reported the case details.

Antoine Ory, a lawyer representing one of the accused, shared, “He is consumed with regret and is very fearful of the confrontation with Paty’s family.” The family’s lawyer emphasized the minors’ pivotal role, stating, “The role of the minors was fundamental in the sequence of events that led to his assassination.”
The trial, expected to conclude on December 8, is being conducted behind closed doors.