France's top court to decide if Falzone faces a new trial

On Wednesday, the Cour de cassation will consider Paolo Falzone’s appeal against the assize court’s verdict that found him guilty of seven murders and 79 attempted murders, sentencing him to 27 years in prison. The appeal challenges the classification of the acts as intentional, with Falzone maintaining that the incident was an accidental traffic collision caused by a lack of precaution. Should the high court annul the previous rulings, a new trial will be conducted before a different court and jury; otherwise the existing judgment stands.

The court’s review focuses on procedural legality and the adequacy of the lower courts’ reasoning, not on the factual merits. Falzone’s lawyer, Me Frank Discepoli, will be represented by a colleague, and the court is expected to deliver its decision later that afternoon. The outcome could set precedent on treating vehicles as weapons when used with reckless disregard for human life.