Kevin Giavarch, French pioneer of jihadism, sentenced to fourteen years in prison on appeal

The Special Court of Appeal in Paris was once again more lenient than the prosecution, confirming on Friday, May 26, the decision of the first instance, which sentenced him to fourteen years in prison with two-thirds of the security period. “repentant” Kevin Giavarchi, French pioneer of jihadism.

His wife, Salma O., who appeared free, was sentenced to six years in prison, as well as in the first instance, which she will be able to exercise at home under an electronic bracelet because of him. “Reintegration efforts”. His sentence is accompanied by six years of social-judicial suspension. These sentences, which were upheld by the Court of Appeal, were deemed insufficient by the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office, which appealed to review their terms.

During his retrial on Friday, the attorney general asked for eighteen years in prison, two-thirds security for Kevin Giavarchi (as in the trial court) and twelve years in prison for his wife (versus fourteen years at trial). in the first instance) with five years of socio-judicial supervision.

“The guilt of the accused is no longer in dispute today”– recalls the Prosecutor General. “Society needs time” for that “I trust” He explained to the accused before admitting that the two accused were not part of it “elite soldiers” Islamic State (IS) organization and that they did not participate in the abuses attributed to the jihadist organization.

Among the first French in Syria

There is no Kevin Giavarc “Neither a fanatic nor an educator”, the attorney general admitted. But, he argued, “It is a punishment that marks the seriousness of the actions committed”. “We must not humiliate” He also highlighted the role of Salma O. and welcomed her “connections” that he could be with his children (born during the couple’s stay in Syria) and his “Activity Recovery” Professional.

“Give me back the chance you gave me, let me go back to work and be a mother”Salma O asked the court before the latter retired. In sentencing, the Court of Special Appeals applauded Salma O.’s efforts to reintegrate into society.

30-year-old Kevin Giavarchi and 41-year-old Salma O. The French were the first to join Syria in early 2013, even before the official birth of the Islamic State. After pledging allegiance to the jihadist organization in June 2013, Kevin Giavarchi claimed to be only “conductor” or “nurse boy”Admitted that he was only involved in guarding the checkpoint, despite posting photos on Facebook of him (and Salma O.) in fatigues and arms, a martyr’s headdress on his forehead.

Once there, he brought three young women from France, some of whom married with children. “Polygamy is permitted in Islam” It was one of the reasons for his engagement, he admitted. He left Syria with his extended family and six children in June 2016, which was not the case for the attorney general. “There is no awareness of what was [l’EI] » But fell under “Opportunism” Because the organization failed on the field.

Arrested in Turkey in 2016 and then handed over to French authorities in January 2017, Kevin Giavarc has been in custody in France ever since.