BOBIGNY, France (AP) — A French court in Bobigny, situated north of Paris, announced on Wednesday that it has postponed the trial of a suspect in a high-profile case involving the theft of jewels from the Louvre Museum. The trial, which revolves around charges of damaging public property, is now scheduled to take place in April. The decision comes amidst concerns that the extensive media coverage surrounding the Louvre jewels heist could compromise the fairness of the legal proceedings.
The suspect's defense team, consisting of four lawyers, expressed that the public attention associated with the Louvre robbery significantly hindered their ability to prepare adequately for their client's trial. Maxime Cavaillé, one of the attorneys, emphasized the importance of maintaining the presumption of innocence throughout the legal process and ensuring that judicial proceedings are respected. The defense also highlighted the need to safeguard their client's privacy in light of the extraordinary nature of the case, although they refrained from offering further details.
The prosecutor underscored the necessity for the case to be evaluated under “serene conditions,” a situation that was not achievable on the scheduled date due to the considerable media attention and surrounding events. This acknowledgement from the prosecution further indicates the court's commitment to ensuring a fair trial for the accused.
The suspect, a 39-year-old man identified by the initials Abdoulaye N., stands accused of breaking into the Louvre and stealing crown jewels valued at approximately $102 million. He was apprehended at his home in Aubervilliers, a suburb north of Paris, just six days after the robbery occurred on October 19. Abdoulaye N. faces preliminary charges, including theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. He is one of four individuals currently detained as part of the ongoing investigation related to the theft.
Reports indicate that Abdoulaye N. is believed to have been one of the two thieves who pierced the Louvre's Apollo Gallery using power tools to access display cases and swipe the valuables. Investigators have connected him to the crime through DNA evidence found on one of the cases and items left at the scene that were traced back to him. Moreover, the investigation has led to the arrest of another suspect connected to the robbery, revealing a wider network potentially involved in the planning and execution of the heist.
Media coverage has also portrayed Abdoulaye N. as an individual known on social media, active under the name "Doudou Cross Bitume." Since the late 2000s, he has posted content on platforms like YouTube and Dailymotion, with more recent activity on TikTok, showcasing motocross stunts performed in Paris and Aubervilliers. His notoriety from social media may have contributed to the intense media scrutiny surrounding the current proceedings.
Initially, the suspect was slated to appear in court on Wednesday to address minor charges related to vandalism—specifically, breaking a mirror and damaging the door of his prison cell in 2019 during a separate theft investigation that ultimately cleared him. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau has indicated that Abdoulaye N. provided minimal statements to investigators, only partially admitting to his involvement in the Louvre heist. Notably, he had a previous conviction in 2015 connected to an earlier theft case that also involved another suspect arrested in relation to the current investigation.
As the legal battles unfold, the focus remains not only on the actions of the accused but also on the implications surrounding media influence on the justice system and the principles of fair trial rights.
