Trial Opens in Paris for Murder of Former Argentine Rugby Player Federico Aramburu

The trial of two men accused of the murder of former Argentine rugby international Federico Aramburu opened on Monday in a Paris criminal court. Loik Le Priol, a 32 year old former soldier, is charged with murder, while Romain Bouvier, 35, faces charges of attempted murder. Both defendants, who are described as having ties to the far right, face potential life imprisonment. The verdict is expected by September 25.

The incident occurred in the early hours of March 19, 2022, near the Boulevard Saint Germain. According to court documents and investigators, Aramburu and his friend, fellow former player Shaun Hegarty, were at the Mabillon cafe when a dispute broke out with Le Priol, Bouvier, and Lyson Rochemir. CCTV footage and testimonies describe a physical altercation involving the groups before security intervened. After Aramburu and Hegarty left the terrace, they were pursued and shot. Aramburu, 42, died at the scene. Rochemir is also on trial for attempted murder, and a fourth man, Antony Sorrentino, is accused of helping Bouvier evade arrest.

Reports on the lead up to the shooting vary in detail. Some accounts emphasize that the killing followed a physical fight where Aramburu allegedly pulled Le Priol by his hood and threw him to the ground. Other reports highlight a specific threat made by Le Priol, who allegedly stated, "I am going to kill him," which prosecutors use to support a hypothesis of premeditation. The defense argues that the defendants did not intend to kill and were reacting to the physical strength of the two former rugby players.

The case has drawn significant attention in Argentina, where members of the national team, the Pumas, have called for justice. Aramburu earned 22 caps for the national team and played for French clubs Biarritz and Perpignan.