Eurojust assisteert in onderzoek moorden Annecy (en)

​The Hague, 21 September 2012

Eurojust i assists in investigation of four murders and two attempted murders committed near Annecy, France, on 5 September 2012. A Joint Investigation Team has been set up.

These brutal murders have been the subject of wide international media attention. The victims found shot dead in their automobile on a quiet forest road in the village of Chevalline were two UK residents of Iraqi origin and a Swedish national, also of Iraqi origin. A French cyclist from the local area was also found dead from gunshot wounds on the ground near the automobile. Two other young passengers in the automobile, daughters of two of the victims and born in the UK, survived the attack.

The motive for the killings remains unclear, and a complex investigation is in progress in France and in the UK.

Eurojust organised and held a two-day coordination meeting in Annecy (20 and 21 September). This coordination meeting is an important and concrete step between the UK and French authorities, who share a common will to cooperate. The involvement of Eurojust can further strengthen ties between the investigating and prosecuting authorities of these two Member States. The case also potentially has a multinational dimension. In addition to the assistance provided by Eurojust in bringing together the concerned authorities, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has been set up between France and the UK, with the participation of Eurojust. The involvement of Eurojust offers the possibility to apply for funding for the JIT to render cooperation more effective.