Paris trial opens for far-right activists in Aramburú killing

A trial has opened in Paris for two far-right activists accused in the 2022 killing of former Argentine rugby international Federico Martín Aramburú. Loïk Le Priol, 32, faces a murder charge, while Romain Bouvier, 35, is accused of attempted murder. Both men risk life imprisonment if convicted. The trial, which is expected to last several weeks, began on Monday, September 7, 2026. A verdict is anticipated on September 25, 2026. Aramburú, 42, a father of three and a respected figure in French rugby, was shot dead in the early hours of March 19, 2022, after a late-night argument escalated into violence. He was with fellow former rugby player Shaun Hegarty at a brasserie in Paris when an altercation began with Le Priol and Bouvier. According to investigators, the confrontation started after Hegarty criticized Le Priol for his conduct towards another customer. Le Priol reportedly responded by tapping Hegarty on the head. As Aramburú and Hegarty departed the establishment, Aramburú grabbed Le Priol by the hood and threw him to the ground. A fight ensued, during which Le Priol sustained several broken teeth.