Strépy Trial: Prosecution Seeks Heavy Sentence for Falzone

Prosecutor Me Jean-Philippe Mayence delivered a powerful closing argument on 29 May 2026 before the Court of Assizes of Hainaut, calling for a severe sentence against Paolo Falzone for driving his BMW into a carnival procession in Strépy-Bracquegnies on 20 March 2022, killing seven people and injuring 38. The prosecution argues this was not a traffic accident but murder, and in the case of one victim, premeditated murder. A verdict is expected in the coming days.

Context

The tragedy struck during the traditional “ramassage des Gilles” (Gilles gathering) for the local carnival in Strépy-Bracquegnies, a section of La Louvière in the province of Hainaut, Belgium. In the early morning of 20 March 2022, a black BMW Series 5 driven by Paolo Falzone, then 32, plowed into a crowd of 150 to 200 people at 174 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The driver was filming himself on his phone to create a “story” for social media moments before impact, according to RTBF.

The seven victims were Frédéric D’Andrea, a gille (traditional carnival figure) who ended up on the car’s hood before being run over; Vito Cascarano; Michelina Imperiale; Salvatore Imperiale; Frédéric Cicero; Laure Gara; and Christine Chavrepierre, who died later from injuries. An additional 38 people were injured, 10 of them seriously.

Key Developments

During his multi-hour closing argument, Me Mayence systematically laid out the prosecution’s case. Citing constant jurisprudence from 2000, he argued that “he who knowingly employs means that would normally cause death has no other intention than to kill.” The speed of 174 km/h, the disabled anti-lock braking system, the switch from comfort to sport mode, and the filming all demonstrate conscious acceptance of lethal consequences, as reported by RTBF.

Mayence dramatically produced an apertintaille (carnival bells) in the silent courtroom, shaking it to demonstrate that Falzone must have heard the gille’s bells. For Frédéric D’Andrea, the gille who lay on the car’s hood, Mayence argued premeditation: Falzone had 22 seconds to decide whether to stop and help or to run over the man. He chose to run him over.

The prosecutor did not mince words when addressing the accused. “Your disdain, and your lies are so many spits in their face!” he declared. “It will not be time to lament when the hour of reckoning comes.” He also highlighted that neither occupant called emergency services after the crash. They exited the vehicle five minutes after impact, and Falzone reportedly asked police to shoot him.

Paolo Falzone had earlier admitted during his interrogation on 26 May that he “wanted to accelerate” for his story, according to court testimony. The car was switched from comfort to sport mode shortly before the incident, and the ABS was deactivated. Falzone had a blood alcohol level of 0.67‰, above the legal limit of 0.5‰.

Analysis

This is one of the largest and most complex trials in recent Belgian legal history, with nearly 200 civil parties and approximately 270 witnesses. The trial, which began on 4 May 2026 at Lotto Mons Expo, is expected to last two months. The Court of Assizes of Hainaut was chosen because assize courts handle the most serious crimes, including murder, as explained by RTBF.

The case has drawn intense public attention across Belgium and raises significant legal questions about when a vehicle can be considered a weapon. The distinction between murder (meurtre) and involuntary homicide (homicide involontaire) carries vastly different penalties. If convicted of murder on seven counts, Falzone faces up to 30 years in prison. If convicted of assassination (premeditated murder) for D’Andrea, the penalty could be life imprisonment.

Co-defendant Antonino Falzone, the passenger who claims he was sleeping at the time of impact, is charged with failure to render aid. The prosecution argues he was also filming and was not asleep as claimed.

What’s Next

The jury of 12 citizens is expected to deliver its verdict in the coming days. The court must answer a central question: Did Paolo Falzone intend to kill, or was this reckless driving that resulted in death? The defense is expected to argue that the incident was a traffic accident caused by lack of foresight and precaution, and that Falzone was in a state of shock after the impact.

At the conclusion of his closing argument, Me Mayence addressed the victims’ families with emotion, saying through tears: “I am proud, very proud, to have been your counsel.” The community of Strépy-Bracquegnies and the broader La Louvière region now await the jury’s decision on what many consider one of the most devastating tragedies in Wallonia’s recent history.