Two men sentenced to 26 and 19 years for murder of ex-rugby player Federico Martin Aramburu

The Paris court of assizes handed down prison sentences to Loïk Le Priol and Romain Bouvier, convicted for the 2022 murder of former Argentine rugby player Federico Martin Aramburu. Le Priol received a 26-year prison term while Bouvier was sentenced to 19 years. The crime occurred in March 2022 on the streets of Paris and involved two far-right militants, highlighting political violence in France.

After over nine hours of deliberation, the court ruled that the murder was not premeditated. Defense lawyers requested the case not be sensationalized but assessed fairly. In addition to the main sentences, Antony Sorrentino, who aided Bouvier’s escape, was given a three-year suspended sentence. Lyson Rochemir, Le Priol’s former partner, also received a three-year sentence with part suspended.

The verdict underscores the gravity of the murder and its wider implications on extremism and public safety in France. This crime has drawn considerable attention due to Aramburu’s status as a well-known athlete and the political motivations involved. The court’s decision marks the conclusion of a trial that lasted three weeks and shed light on far-right violence in the capital.