Feb 27 • 11:17 UTC 🇫🇷 France Le Figaro

"How could such an individual be free?": the arrest of Kobili Traoré, murderer of Sarah Halimi, provokes an outcry on the right

The arrest of Kobili Traoré, previously declared criminally insane for the murder of Sarah Halimi, has incited outrage among French right-wing politicians over issues of public safety.

Kobili Traoré, who was declared criminally insane in 2019 for the murder of Sarah Halimi, is now a suspect in a new case involving armed robbery and kidnapping while he was hospitalized in a psychiatric facility. This revelation has led to an intense backlash from right-wing political leaders who are questioning the judicial system that allowed him to remain free after his earlier conviction. Political figures like Marine Le Pen have condemned what they see as a shocking level of impunity, while others describe this new incident as a predictable recurrence given Traoré's history.

Following the announcement that Traoré would appear before a judge once again, many politicians expressed their indignation, bewilderment, and anger at the situation. Traoré was in a psychiatric hospital following the 2017 murder of Halimi, during which he was found not responsible for his actions. Despite this, he had been given permission for outings, raising serious concerns about the criteria for such permissions and the monitoring of individuals deemed dangerous.

The implications of this case go beyond mere public safety; it has sparked a broader conversation in France about the treatment of individuals with mental health issues within the criminal justice system, especially those who have committed violent crimes. Critics argue that the system’s failures could lead to increased danger for society, which, in turn, could affect public trust in legal institutions. As political responses continue to unfold, the case of Kobili Traoré is set to remain a topic of contentious debate in France.

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