Steve’s death in Nantes. the prosecution paves the way for a criminal trial

A new phase in the case of the death of Steve Maia Canicho in Nantes in 2019. the prosecution requested to be sent to the criminal court this Wednesday, November 30, for the involuntary manslaughter of a policeman and a sub-prefect.

“Ren’s prosecutor’s office accepted its final indictment on November 30, 2022. It requests dismissal of the cases related to persons in the status of assistant witness and the employment of (commissioner) Grégoire Chasaying and (sub-prefect). Johan Mugeno in a criminal court to be tried on charges of manslaughter“, Ren’s prosecutor Philip Astruk writes in a press release.

The presenter disappeared after the police operation

24-year-old extracurricular animator Steve Maia Canniso went missing on the night of June 21-22, 2019, after a police operation to break up an electro party in Nantes on the Loire.

Analysis of Steve’s phone records allowed us to trace his fall in the Loire.04H33mn14s, that is, during the police intervention and after the first use of tear gas, which took place from 4:31.“, the prosecutor clarifies.

Police Commissioner Grégoire Chassain led the controversial operation, and sub-prefect Johan Mugenault, then chief of staff to the prefect of Loire-Atlantique, “led the preparatory meetingsAbout the device for the 2019 music festival in Nantes, Mr. Astruc recalls.

Commissioner Grégoire Chassain is accused of “perfect knowledge of the event and location“manage the situation”inappropriate measures given the condition of the area– says the judge. As for sub-prefect Johan Mugeno, he “he was also fully aware of the danger of falling into the Loire“because it was decided especially during the preparatory meetings”.SNA boat commitment (Sécurité Nautique Atlantique, editor’s note) to mitigate this risk“, he adds.

According to the prosecutor, at the end of the preliminary investigation in this case, two types of deficiencies are observed during the preparation of the party.and more specifically, the lack of barrier placementOn and in Quai Wilsonimplementation of police intervention“on this platform”use of tear gas canisters“. Grégoire Chassin’s lawyer did not immediately respond to AFP’s request, while Johan Mugeno declined to comment.

Reasonable delay

During this controversial operation, the police intervened in the port of Nantes island to stop the techno music, but one of the nine sound systems restarted the sound twice seconds before the broadcast.Piggy bankby the punk band Bérurier noir. Saying that they felt threatened and were being shelled, the police fired 33 tear gas shells, 12 self-defense bullets (LBDs) and 10 anti-blockade grenades.

Eyewitnesses said that they were blinded by a cloud of tear gas. By the time the police intervened, seven people had fallen in the Loire, not counting Steve, whose body was not found until July 29, a little more than a kilometer away.

Dismissal required for supporting witnesses

“These requirements meet the expectations of civil parties“who wants it”the requested trial can be conducted within a reasonable time, taking into account the date of the tragic death of Steve Maya Canicho;Steve’s family lawyer May Cecil de Oliveira responded to AFP. The lawyer also warns that he “there are still legal steps to go through before this hearing can be heard“.

The prosecution requested the removal of all persons who are in the status of supporting witness, including the former prefect of Loire-Atlantique Claude d’Harcourt, the deputy director of the Department of Public Security (DDSP), who was in office at the time of the facts. The city of Nantes and its mayor Johanna Rolland, deputy mayor for security during the facts and the metropolis.