The appeal hearing for the police officer charged with murder in the 2023 shooting death of Nahel Merzouk has been postponed to December 4, 2025. The hearing was originally scheduled for October 2 at the Versailles Court of Appeal's instruction chamber but was delayed after the officer's defense lawyer, Laurent-Franck Liénard, requested an adjournment due to scheduling conflicts. The prosecutor's office confirmed the new date following the defense's request.

The case stems from the June 27, 2023 incident in Nanterre where the 17-year-old Nahel was fatally shot at close range by police officer Florian M. during a traffic stop. After a two-year investigation, two investigating judges ordered on June 3, 2025 that the officer stand trial for murder, aligning with the Nanterre prosecutor's office recommendations from earlier in March.

The legal dispute centers on whether the officer's use of force was justified. The investigating judges' order stated that "nothing demonstrates" the officer was "authorized in the circumstances to use his weapon, in disregard of the principles of proportionality and absolute necessity." However, the defense maintains the shooting was "legitimate" and "in compliance with the legal framework," according to statements from lawyer Liénard.

The second officer present during the incident, who had been under investigation for complicity in murder, has been cleared through a dismissal of charges. The case has drawn significant public attention since the shooting, with the initial incident sparking widespread reactions across France. The upcoming December hearing will determine whether the murder charge against the remaining officer will proceed to trial.