A French court delivered its verdict Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the case known as “Les Grands Frères” (The Considerable Brothers), concluding a lengthy judicial process that has gripped the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. The case stems from social unrest that began in late 2021, and centers on accusations of violence, extortion, and attempts to profit from widespread protests.
The Correctional Tribunal of Fort-de-France heard the case with nine of the thirteen defendants present – eleven were present at the trial. The court rejected motions to postpone or separate the proceedings, affirming the validity of the investigation and finding that the investigating judge had addressed all concerns raised by the parties.
Full Acquittals for Six Defendants
The tribunal largely overturned prosecution requests, issuing general acquittals for charges of criminal association for extortion, citing a lack of “clearly established collusion.” David Abdoul, Michel Corvo, Christelle Daumont, Didier Dyvrande, Ludovic Tolassy, and Sylvain Fostin were fully acquitted.
The court also issued acquittals for complicity in destruction and obstructing air traffic. But, several significant convictions were handed down. Police officer Didier Laurent, accused of informing his co-defendants, received a two-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban from holding public office.
Noël Daufour, accused of involvement in the arson of the SPIP and the airport blockade, was sentenced to one year in prison for criminal association related to obstructing air traffic, as were Samuel Crail and Cédric Vallier (the latter also receiving a 15-year ban on possessing firearms). Lighter sentences were given to Loïc Chenilco (eight months suspended), Frédéric Dumesnil (six months suspended), and Pascal Baclet (six months suspended for the sole possession of a weapon).
“I Did Nothing Wrong”: Reaction from Noël Daufour
Outside the courtroom, Noël Daufour expressed a mix of relief and moral indignation, pointing to what he saw as a discrepancy between the initial accusations and the final verdict. He stated:
“Given the five years in prison and the immediate arrest warrant requested against me, one might think I should be satisfied with today’s decision. , in any case, be satisfied with a conviction, especially when I understand I did nothing wrong. I have always taken responsibility in the past when I had something to reproach myself for. But as long as I know I have done nothing, be satisfied with this verdict. I will therefore study with my lawyers the possibility of appealing. Whatever happens, we will move to the finish of the work we have started for our country. For years, I have been presented as a gang leader. Yet, the prosecutor’s first words admitted that nothing could confirm this. After two years and nine months of provisional detention and having been dragged through the mud, I am told today that I am no longer this gang leader and that there is no fraud. What hurts me the most is that they tried to make the people believe that we were using them to enrich ourselves. I am sentenced to one year when I have already spent almost three behind bars: the balance is not there.”
Background of the Case and Prosecution Requests
The “Grands Frères” case originated in the violent social crisis that shook Guadeloupe in November 2021, fueled by protests against mandatory vaccination. Thirteen defendants, including several influential figures from working-class neighborhoods, were brought to justice, suspected of orchestrating violence at roadblocks and attempting to extort funds from local officials.
Throughout the investigation and the ten days of hearings relocated to Fort-de-France, the defendants firmly denied the charges of criminal association, claiming they acted as simple, voluntary mediators to prevent an escalation of violence between young people and law enforcement. The outcome of the trial highlights the complexities of social movements and the challenges of prosecuting cases involving widespread unrest.
On February 5, 2026, the public prosecutor requested sentences ranging from 10 months of suspended imprisonment to four years in prison. A full acquittal was requested for five of the defendants, and a partial acquittal for a sixth, due to a lack of evidence. The prosecution attempted to demonstrate that the “Grands Frères” had exploited the chaos of the roadblocks for personal gain or to exert hidden influence, while the defense consistently maintained that they were acting as mediators in the face of the violence.
