A 27-year-old Algerian suspected of assassinating Ashur Sarnaya, an Iraqi Christian influencer in a wheelchair, in Lyon on September 10 has been extradited from Italy and placed in pre-trial detention. He was charged with assassination in connection with a terrorist enterprise. Investigators identify him as the man in black seen at the scene.
Ashur Sarnaya, an Iraqi Christian influencer known for his TikTok videos and wheelchair-bound, was killed on September 10 in Lyon. The attack shocked the community due to its targeted nature against a member of the Eastern Christians.
The suspect, Sabri B., a 27-year-old Algerian, was arrested in Italy on October 2 under a European arrest warrant issued by France. Handed over to French authorities on Monday evening, he appeared before a judge on Tuesday and was charged with 'assassination in connection with a terrorist enterprise' and 'criminal terrorist malfaiteurs association.' The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) requested and obtained his pre-trial detention.
Investigators established his involvement through several pieces of evidence. His mobile phone 'geolocated' at the crime scene, confirming his presence. Additionally, analysis of his TikTok connections shows he followed the victim's live stream on September 10. Numerous witnesses described a 'man in black' seen near the scene, and investigations point to Sabri B. as this individual.
The suspect's profile remains unclear at this stage, but the probe explores potential motivations linked to radical Islamism. This case fits into a broader context of threats against religious minorities in France.