Five years later, the memory remains vivid. Direct and indirect victims, relatives and political leaders commemorated this Monday the fifth anniversary of the attack that occurred on December 11, 2018 on the Strasbourg Christmas Market, which left five dead and eleven injured.
The Minister of Justice, Eric Dupond-Moretti, and the Secretary of State for Veterans and Memory, Patricia Miralles, placed white roses at the foot of the commemorative stele erected at Place de la République in Strasbourg, before be imitated by the mayor of the city, Jeanne Barseghian, and the prefect of Bas-Rhin, Josiane Chevalier.
“Five years after the horror, let us not forget that terrorism still kills,” declared Audrey Wagner, survivor of the attack and author of a book on her experience, during the only speech at the ceremony. . In mid-October, an attack in a high school in Arras left one person dead, while a German-Filipino tourist was killed in a knife attack on December 2 in Paris. “Terrorism is the weapon of those who have no courage,” continued Ms. Wagner. After a minute of silence, the ceremony concluded with a song performed by the children’s choir from La Providence college in Strasbourg.
“A difficult date to live with”
“It is an important day for our city, a day of memory, but also a message sent to the country and the world, that Strasbourg is standing tall five years later,” Jeanne Barseghian declared to the press at the end of the ceremony. “I am delighted with the presence of members of the government to mark this national recognition. »
“Like every year, it’s a difficult date to live with,” said Clarisse Ichrak Marzouq, security agent and direct witness to the attack. “The emotions are multiplied, but it’s nice to attend this sober ceremony. »
“We expected a little more than that from the government, perhaps that the President of the Republic (Emmanuel Macron) would be present to pay a national tribute,” declared Mostafa Sahlane, president of the “Victims” association. of attacks.”
The trial for the attack will be held from February 29 to April 5, 2024, before the Special Assize Court of Paris. Five men will be tried, one for complicity in assassinations and attempts, in connection with a terrorist enterprise, four for criminal association, without terrorist qualification.
Chérif Chekatt, the author of the attack, was killed by the police after two days of manhunt.