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Acknowledging the Homophobic Nature of Recent Crimes
After a week of deliberation, the Vaucluse Assize Court in Avignon has ruled on two premeditated assaults against gay men that took place in 2023, resulting in one death. Out of six defendants, five were convicted on June 8.
The principal offenders, Aymène L., aged 24, and Intissar A., aged 25, were found guilty of murder, aggravated by the victims’ sexual orientation, receiving 22-year prison sentences each. Their partners, charged with aiding in theft, were also convicted. Meanwhile, Malek E., 24, was sentenced to ten years for armed extortion and kidnapping. The sixth defendant was acquitted.
This case highlights ongoing violence against LGBT+ individuals, reflecting a worrying increase in homophobic incidents in Nantes.
Using a Dating Platform to Lure Victims
The investigation revealed a familiar strategy paving the way for similar crimes. The perpetrators used the Coco dating app to attract gay men, arrange meetings, and subsequently rob them.
During the trial, a telling remark from the defendants, “Tonight, we make money,” underscored their intent. It was evident the victims were deliberately chosen, lured under false pretenses.
The Tragic Death of Mickaël Roussin in a Home Invasion
On March 5, 2023, 30-year-old Mickaël Roussin fell into their deadly trap at his home in Sorgues near Avignon. According to court records, one attacker searched his home while another restrained him.
Pressing a knee and cushion onto his face, Roussin was asphyxiated within minutes. This case bore similarities to the 1995 murder of Pierre-Olivier M. in Noisy-le-Grand, where the victim was silenced with a pillow.
In the days following Roussin’s murder, the group targeted another man who fortunately survived.
Homophobia: A Core Issue in Court Deliberations
The homophobic designation of these crimes became a focal point in the trial. Although not initially labeled as such, jury deliberations brought it to the forefront.
When questioned about their victim selection, Intissar A. explained: “With gays, it’s easier. They’re willing to do anything for sex. They trust.” The jury determined that the victims were specifically targeted because of their sexual orientation, affirming the crimes as homophobic in nature.
Praise from Anti-Discrimination Advocates
The Stop Homophobie association applauded the court’s acknowledgment, calling it “a significant step forward.” They emphasized that such attacks are part of a documented and troubling pattern.
Various media reports have already highlighted the recurrence of these predatory tactics against gay men. Data from 2023 indicates at least one such case was reported weekly across France.
Stay informed on these issues and LGBT+ rights in France by visiting the LGBT news section.
The Closure of Coco and Enhanced Safety Initiatives
In 2024, Coco was shut down under a court order after involvement in over 20,000 legal cases. It soon resurfaced as Cocoland, prompting new investigations by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
To combat the rise in attacks, the Interministerial Delegation to Fight Anti-LGBT Hate (Dilcrah) launched an action plan in March, partnering with leading dating apps in France, including Grindr.
Authorities stress the importance of caution in online meetings. For first encounters, meeting in public, busy, and safe locations is strongly advised to reduce risks.
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