Paris trial opens over rugby star Aramburú's killing as suspect claims self-defense

The trial opened in Paris on September 7 over the 2022 shooting death of former Argentina rugby international Federico Martín Aramburú, who was killed after a late-night altercation near the Mabillon brasserie. Prosecutors accuse former far-right activists Loïk Le Priol, 32, of murder and Romain Bouvier, 35, of attempted murder, alleging that Bouvier shot at Aramburú before Le Priol fired the fatal shots. Le Priol’s former girlfriend, Lyson Rochemir, is charged with complicity in attempted murder for driving Bouvier to the scene, while Antony Sorrentino is accused of helping Bouvier evade arrest. The confrontation began inside the bar and escalated into a physical fight outside involving Aramburú’s friend, former New Zealand player Shaun Hegarty. Le Priol admitted firing the fatal shots but claims self-defense; he and Bouvier, who were serving sentences for a separate aggravated-assault case linked to the far right, face possible life imprisonment if convicted. The trial is scheduled to continue until September 25, when a verdict is expected.