French Kidnap, Torture Gang Goes on Trial

A French gang accused of kidnapping, torturing, and murdering a Jewish man has gone on trial in Paris, reports the BBC. Presumed ringleader Youssouf Fofana—who allegedly ordered his accomplices to target Jews—faces charges of premeditated murder and committing "acts of torture and barbarism" over the death of the 23-year-old, who was held for more than three weeks.

The other 10 women and 16 men accused face lesser charges including entrapment and kidnapping. Prosecutors allege the gang used an attractive young female member to lure the victim to an apartment where he was attacked and drugged. The trial is being held behind closed doors as many gang members were juveniles at the time of the killing.
(More Youssouf Fofana stories.)