French investigating magistrates have ordered two far-right activists to be tried for murder after the shooting in 2022 of former Argentine rugby international Federico Martin Aramburu, prosecutors said on Friday, October 25.
Aramburu, 42, was in a bar with another player in Paris on March 19, 2022, when they argued with Loik Le Priol and Romain Bouvier. After the sportsmen left, the two men allegedly fired several shots at Aramburu, who died of his wounds.
Le Priol, 30, is a former marine commando and member of a recently dissolved ultra-right movement. He was arrested, four days after the shooting, at the Hungary-Ukraine border, where he told police he was "going to Ukraine to fight" after Russia's invasion. Bouvier, 33, is a close friend of Le Priol.
Both are in detention, accused of the "premeditated killing" of Aramburu. They have also been charged with "aggravated armed violence" towards Shaun Hegarty, who was with Aramburu on the night of the Argentine's death.
Two other people, including Le Priol's partner, will also be tried, accused of aiding in the killing and helping Le Priol escape.
Lawyers in the case were not available for immediate comment.
Aramburu had been living in the southern town of Biarritz after retiring. He played club rugby for Perpignan, Biarritz and Dax in France, as well as for the Glasgow Warriors. He earned 22 caps for Argentina, from 2004 to 2009.