The verdict of the farmer’s trial was delivered this morning at the courthouse in Nice. He had been accused of hosting refugees in his home in the Roya Valley.
It was in front of dozens of supporters that Cédric Herrou, accompanied by his lawyer Zia Oloumi, announced the verdict of his trial this morning.
A suspended fine of 3000 euros was imposed on him for taking care of refugees on Italian soil.
His lawyer said he was “satisfied with the verdict,” especially since Herrou was acquitted of other charges against him, such as the installation of migrants in a disused SNCF center, and aiding the stay and movement of immigrants in an illegal situation.
Chants of “freedom for the refugees!” echoed through the crowd, led notably by the Roya Citoyenne association, present since the beginning of the affair.
The signs were out: “Roya Citoyenne saves the honor of France,” and “No offenses for helpers, beds for migrants.”
In this atmosphere, Cédric Herrou sought to reassure everyone upon his exit, with a triumphant air. “I am happy that justice has done its job despite stigmatizing policies. We are now going to continue the fight; this is not a victory. Mr. Prefect Leclerc, there are many of us, and we have justice on our side.”
Determined, he stated that the affair was not over.
