The trial of three men began today before the court of assizes in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of southern France. They are accused of starting a fire that killed eight people during the night of February 13 to 14, 2022. The fire broke out in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque, a small town about twenty kilometers northeast of Perpignan, and quickly consumed two buildings. The fire was classified as criminal shortly after it occurred, and investigators found evidence suggesting it was deliberately set. The fire started in a grocery store on the ground floor of one of the buildings, which had been sprayed with gasoline. An Algerian man, Madjid M., was found seriously burned near the site and became the primary suspect. Analysis of his clothing showed traces of gasoline. Two months after the incident, Madjid M. admitted to starting the fire but claimed he was ordered to do so by Khaled B. A., the manager of the grocery store. According to Madjid, Khaled offered him a future job and help with obtaining legal documents in exchange for setting the fire to claim insurance money. Madjid's lawyers, Gérald Brivet-Galaup and Héloïse Dulieu, argue that he was manipulated and used for a crime of extreme gravity. Khaled B. A., 46, and his brother Raouf, 44, both Tunisian nationals who arrived in France in the 2010s, deny any involvement and downplay their connection to Madjid M. However, testimonies suggest that Madjid was staying with Raouf and occasionally helped at the grocery store. The two brothers were reportedly struggling financially and considering buying a bar together. The investigating judge believes this financial pressure may have motivated them to start the fire to collect insurance money. The judge points to a recent upgrade of the fire prevention system at the store and a change in the insurance contract, just five days before the fire, which increased the compensation in case of disaster. Elise Arfi, Khaled B. A.'s lawyer, argues that the theory of insurance fraud lacks solid evidence. The trial is expected to last until October 16. Fifty-five people have filed as civil parties, seeking recognition as victims and hoping to have their suffering acknowledged. Nicolas Nassier, the lawyer for one of the deceased's family members, explains that the civil parties want the accused to take responsibility for the tragedy.