Two South African yacht crew members remain in custody following a late-night altercation near Monaco's Port Hercule. The incident, which occurred shortly after midnight and left one individual injured, led to the provisional detention of the two men, aged 27 and 28. Both appeared before the Monaco Criminal Court on Friday, requesting more time to prepare their defense.
The altercation, which took place near popular nightclubs in the area, resulted in the victim being declared unfit for work for 15 days. The defendants, who were reportedly intoxicated at the time of the incident, face charges of violence. During the hearing, their lawyer, Sarah Caminiti-Rolland, requested a postponement to gather more evidence and interview additional witnesses, including those present at the scene and employees of nearby establishments. She also called for a review of video surveillance footage to clarify the events leading up to the altercation.
“We reserve the right to file a complaint against the civil party, who struck the first blows,” Ms. Caminiti-Rolland told the court, arguing that further investigation was necessary to fully understand the context of the incident. She also requested that her clients, both without prior convictions, be released under judicial supervision, suggesting they surrender their passports as a condition.
However, Deputy Prosecutor Julien Pronier opposed the request for release, expressing concerns that the defendants might evade justice. Pronier described the case as relatively straightforward, noting that surveillance footage captured the incident and that there were no major discrepancies between the accounts of the defendants and the victim.
After deliberation, the court ruled to keep the two men in custody, citing concerns about their potential to reoffend and possible pressure on witnesses. The trial is scheduled to take place on September 11.
The case has attracted attention in Monaco, a principality known for its strict legal system and emphasis on maintaining order. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the defense’s call for further investigation will affect the outcome of the case.