AhlulBayt News Agency – A French man accused of fatally stabbing a worshipper at a mosque in southern France has been formally charged with premeditated murder motivated by race or religion, according to the Nîmes prosecutor’s office.
Olivier Hadzovic, who killed 22-year-old Aboubakar Cissé, a Malian national, at the mosque in La Grand-Combe on April 25, was extradited from Italy on Friday after surrendering to local authorities.
“The suspect remained silent during his first appearance before the investigating judge,” said Nîmes prosecutor Cécile Gensac, adding that he is expected to be questioned again later.
Hadzovic’s lawyer, Adrien Gabeaud, stated that his client’s silence “should not be interpreted as an attempt to hinder the investigation.” He also plans to request expert assessments, including psychiatric evaluations.
Prosecutors allege that Hadzovic acted with clear intent, filming the victim as he lay dying while shouting anti-religious slurs.
The indictment comes ahead of nationwide rallies planned for Sunday, May 11, in memory of Cissé. The main march will take place in Paris, with parallel demonstrations expected across France. The events, organized by political groups, activists, academics, and public figures, aim to protest Islamophobia and honor the victim.
Cissé’s body was recently repatriated to Mali for burial, following the attack that has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against religiously motivated violence.
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