Far-right extremist admits killing international rugby star
A former member of a violent far-right group has told a Paris court he shot dead former Argentina rugby international Federico Martin Aramburú in Paris four years ago.
On the opening day of his trial, Loik Le Priol told the court he was responsible for the death of Aramburú, who was killed following an altercation during a night out in the French capital.
Argentina’s Federico Martin Aramburu runs with the ball. AP Photo/Mark Baker
“I have always said that I fired in self-defence,” Le Priol told the jury.
“I know it is for the court to decide whether that was legitimate. But whatever that decision, I am sentenced for life to bear this immense tragedy. I will never cease to ask for forgiveness.”
Le Priol, 32, is one of two former members of the now-banned ‘Groupe Union Defence’ movement on trial.
Le Priol, who investigators say fired the fatal shots, is charged with murder.
His associate Romain Bouvier, 35, who prosecutors say also fired a weapon during the incident, is charged with attempted murder.
Both men are already serving prison sentences for aggravated assault in a separate case.
According to the investigation, Aramburú was having a late drink with friend and fellow former rugby player Shaun Hegarty on the terrace of the Mabillon café on March 19, 2022.
Le Priol, Bouvier and Le Priol’s then-girlfriend, Lyson Rochemir, 29, who is also on trial on an attempted murder charge, were at a nearby table.
Investigators say an altercation broke out between the two groups.
CCTV footage reviewed during the investigation showed a confrontation involving Hegarty and Le Priol.
The argument escalated into a fight involving Aramburú, Hegarty, Le Priol and Bouvier before security staff intervened, according to court documents.
The confrontation spilled onto the Boulevard Saint-Germain.
According to investigators, Bouvier fired shots at Aramburú before Le Priol opened fire. Aramburú died at the scene.
The three defendants fled, say prosecutors. Le Priol was arrested in Hungary, while attempting to cross the border into Ukraine.
The trial is expected to run until September 25. Le Priol, Bouvier and Rochemir all face life sentences.
Aramburú won 22 caps for Argentina and played for French clubs including Biarritz and Perpignan.
He was a member of the trailblazing 2007 Rugby World Cup team that finished third.
Pumas captain Pablo Matera showed his support for Aramburú during the warmups for Sunday’s (AEST) Test against the Wallabies in Mendoza.
Argentina captain Pablo Matera before the game. AP Photo/Gustavo Garello
Matera wore a T-shirt that read in Spanish, ‘Justice for Fede.’
He then scored two tries in the 28-28 draw, the first time in his illustrious career he had achieved that feat in a Test.
