At the Paris assizes, French jihadist Othman Garrido, accused of being a torturer for the Islamic State group in Syria, broke down in tears on Tuesday while listening to his paternal uncle and maternal aunt describe his childhood. The 32-year-old defendant had previously stared silently at photos of executions from 2014 that included him, but on Tuesday, he wept several times, especially during the testimony of his maternal aunt. This former nurse spoke with a calm and gentle tone, describing how her brother, Garrido’s father, became radicalized and how the family lived on the fringes of society. The Garrido family’s home was described as very simple, with no toys or television, and girls and women were expected to stay at home. The father held rigid, negative views about education and France, and wanted to live in an Islamic country. The aunt said the family did not want to be intrusive or cut ties with relatives, even as they grew more isolated. She described her nephews, Oubey—the eldest, who was also highly radicalized—and Othman as "polite, affectionate" children. The departure of these two brothers to Syria in October 2012, followed by the rest of the family nine months later, was "very badly received" by the paternal grandparents, even though they didn’t know where the family was going. The aunt said it was heartbreaking to see Othman today, but she wanted to move on from the past. She cast a brief glance at the defendant in the courtroom. Garrido stood up after his aunt’s testimony and addressed her directly. "My aunt was the one I was closest to. I had great affection for her," he said, his voice strained with emotion. "I respect her choice, but it hurts me a lot. I want to apologize to her, ask her for forgiveness." His aunt, who remained in the courtroom, also cried, covering her face with her hands. The emotional moment underscored the deep personal conflicts and family tensions that have played a role in the trial, as the court continues to examine the path that led Garrido to his alleged involvement with the Islamic State.