Marseille's Rue d’Aubagne Collapse Trial Concludes, Verdict Expected July 2025

The trial examined the 2018 building collapses that killed eight, with prosecutors seeking prison terms for 10 of the 16 defendants.

The trial focused on the fatal 2018 collapses of two buildings on Rue d’Aubagne in Marseille, which exposed systemic issues of unsafe housing.
Sixteen individuals, including property owners, a social landlord, an architect, and a former deputy mayor, faced charges including involuntary manslaughter and housing vulnerable individuals in unsafe conditions.
Prosecutors recommended prison sentences for 10 defendants, including three years for former municipal official Julien Ruas and architect Richard Carta.
Defense lawyers argued for acquittals, citing lack of evidence and questioning the inclusion of certain defendants, such as property owners added late in the process.
The case has sparked public mobilization in Marseille, with local groups highlighting the broader crisis of inadequate housing and advocating for systemic change.