Full Breakdown
Trial of Far-Right Activists for Murder of Argentine Rugby Star Federico Martín Aramburú
9/8/2026, 3:14:57 AM
The Trial and Charges
A Paris criminal court opened a trial on Monday for four defendants accused of killing former Argentina international rugby player Federico Martín Aramburú. Loïk Le Priol, 32, faces a murder charge; Romain Bouvier, 35, is charged with attempted murder. Their former girlfriend Lyson Rochemir, 29, and associate Antony Sorrentino are also on trial for complicity and evidence-tampering. All defendants are already in custody, except Rochemir and Sorrentino, who remain under judicial supervision. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on September 25, with proceedings continuing until September 26.
Background and Prior Violence
Le Priol and Bouvier were members of the now-dissolved ultra-right organization Groupe Union Défense (GUD). In 2015 they were convicted of aggravated assault against a former GUD leader, a sentence that barred them from contacting each other—a restriction that was still in force at the time of the 2022 killing.
Key Individuals
- Federico Martín Aramburú – former Argentina rugby international, father of three.
- Shaun Hegarty – former New Zealand rugby player, friend and witness.
- Loïk Le Priol – former French Navy commando, GUD member, charged with murder.
- Romain Bouvier – GUD member, charged with attempted murder.
- Lyson Rochemir – Le Priol’s former girlfriend, charged with complicity.
- Antony Sorrentino – accused of helping Bouvier evade arrest.
Timeline of Events
- March 19, 2022 – Aramburú and Hegarty are drinking on the terrace of Café Mabillon in Paris’s Latin Quarter. An altercation erupts with Le Priol, Bouvier and Rochemir at a nearby table.
- After a brief fight inside the café, the groups separate.
- Le Priol’s partner drives a Jeep to the street; Bouvier fires four shots, two striking Aramburú. Le Priol arrives on foot and fires six shots, four hitting Aramburú’s back, causing his death.
- March 19, 2022 – Rochemir is arrested in Paris; Le Priol is apprehended three days later at the Hungary-Ukraine border; Bouvier is arrested later in 2022 in the Sarthe region.
- September 25 – Deadline for the court’s verdict.
- September 26 – Scheduled continuation of proceedings.
Evidence and Numbers
- Bouvier allegedly discharged four rounds, two wounding Aramburú.
- Le Priol allegedly discharged six rounds, four fatal.
- The defendants each previously served sentences for the 2015 assault (two- and three-year terms).
- All face life imprisonment if convicted of the murder and attempted-murder charges.
Official Statements & Responses
The Argentine Rugby Union called for justice and urged a humane trial. Argentine players wore black T-shirts reading “Justice for Fede” before a Six Nations match. Family members described Aramburú as “always smiling” and a “true friend,” asking the court not to minimize his death.
Impact and Reactions
The case has revived scrutiny of far-right extremism in France, showing that members of dissolved groups can still pose a lethal threat. The international rugby community has used the trial to call for broader condemnation of hate-driven violence.
What’s Next
The Paris Assize Court will continue hearing evidence until September 26, after which a verdict is expected on September 25. The decision will determine whether the defendants receive life sentences and may influence ongoing debates about far-right activity and public safety in France.
