Prosecutors seek 16-years sentence in teacher killing case in France

Friday 24 April 2026 - 14:30

French prosecutors have requested a 16-year prison sentence in the trial of a former student accused of killing Spanish teacher Agnès Lassalle, a case that has deeply shaken the country’s education community.

The trial is taking place before a juvenile criminal court in Pau. The victim, aged 53, was fatally stabbed during a class in February 2023 at a private school in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, in southwestern France.

Now aged 19, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. However, the final penalty could be reduced if the court determines that his mental capacity was impaired at the time of the incident. Alternatively, the court could rule him not criminally responsible if it concludes that he lacked full awareness of his actions.

During the proceedings, the prosecution argued that a significant prison term was necessary to reflect the gravity of the crime and its impact on the victim’s family, colleagues, and the broader school community.

The case has reignited debate in France about safety in schools and the psychological support available to students. Educators and policymakers have called for stronger preventive measures to address risks within educational environments.

The verdict is expected following closing arguments by the defense, bringing a highly emotional trial closer to its conclusion.