Killing of gay man to be investigated as homophobic crime following protests

Nearly two weeks after 19-year-old Noahm was killed, the Metz prosecutor's office announced on Thursday that the investigation had been expanded to take into account a possible homophobic motive.

Noahm was violently assaulted early in the morning of 30 May in Metz and later died from his injuries.

Prosecutors had previously said the evidence did not support the theory that Noahm was attacked because he was gay.

Toxic climate blamed for rise in LGBTQI+ attacks in France

Two men, aged 20 and 27, were initially charged with "aggravated murder due to the suspect being in a state of obvious intoxication” – an offence carrying a potential life sentence.

However, in a statement, the Metz public prosecutor David Touvet said he had issued an additional charge of “intentional homicide committed because of the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity, by a person acting under obvious intoxication”.

He added that the additional charge gives the investigating judge the legal framework to ensure the inquiry covers all circumstances around the murder.

'Political exploitation'

There had been growing calls to recognise the attack as homophobic, including from hard-left leader and presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

The French National Assembly held a minute's silence on Wednesday, linking the death to that of 11-year-old Lyhanna, which has sparked protests over how the police and justice system treat cases of child abuse.

France signs charter with dating apps to fight homophobic ambushes

On the day of Noahm's death, the Metz LGBTI+ centre Couleurs Gaies organised a gathering.

The victim's parents have criticised what they call the “political exploitation” of their son's death.

Speaking through their lawyer, they said they do not want their son to be “used by any political party” and instead are calling for a broader social awareness of youth violence.

(with AFP)