Appeal hearing begins for the 2018 Trèbes and Carcassonne attacks, recalling hero Arnaud Beltrame

The appellate phase of the Trèbes and Carcassonne terror attacks commenced in Paris on September 14, marking eight years since the events. The case revisits the actions of Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Beltrame, who was killed after voluntarily swapping places with a hostage during the supermarket siege. The attacks were perpetrated by Radouane Lakdim, a 25-year-old Franco-Moroccan who was later neutralized by the GIGN.

Beltrame, born in Étampes in 1973, had a distinguished military career, graduating top of his class from Saint-Cyr and serving in elite units such as GSIGN and the Garde républicaine. After his death, President Emmanuel Macron praised him as a hero embodying service and dedication. The appeal trial now proceeds, with a verdict still pending.