The soldier suspected of being the author of the accidental shooting that cost the life of a young reservist Wednesday June 24 in Metz was indicted for “manslaughter“And”non-compliance with instructions“Said the prosecution on Saturday.
The alleged 22-year-old shooter was left free without any judicial control because, according to the military code, this measure is incompatible with his status, said the public prosecutor of Metz, Christian Mercuri, confirming information from the daily regional The Republican Lorrain.
The facts had occurred Wednesday, in the immediate vicinity of the guardhouse of the palace of the military governor. The victim, a 20-year-old first class gunner, “was preparing to go on patrol when he was seriously injured in the head by an accidental shot“, Said in a statement the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Evacuated to Nancy hospital, he died there from his injuries.
According to the first elements, the track of an accident following an error in handling a Famas, assault rifle used by the French army, was privileged, said a source close to the investigation. The soldier allegedly responsible for the shooting had been placed in police custody Wednesday evening, before being presented Friday to an examining magistrate.
Reservist in the 40th artillery regiment at Suippes (Marne), the young man who died was “committed with his group to protect the palace of the military governor of Metz since June 18, 2020“According to the press release from the ministry, paying tribute to its”great human and intellectual qualities». «He died in the accomplishment of his mission“, Concludes the press release.
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