The Jewish lawyers who represent Islamists

Published: 18 April 2023

Last updated: 5 March 2024

Believing everyone is entitled to a fair trial, Jewish lawyers are representing some of Europe’s most notorious terrorists.

Olivia Ronen is the lawyer for Salah Abdeslam, an Islamist accused of carrying out terror attacks in Paris in 2015.

Stanislas Ashkenazi is the lawyer for Mohammed Abrini, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 22 years, for his involvement in the same attacks.

Both lawyers are Jewish and Ronen has strong connections to Israel – but neither believes that should stop them taking on these clients.

"I view Judaism as just one aspect of my overall identity," states 33-year-old Ronen. "Being a woman, French, and a lawyer are also integral parts of who I am. Moreover, my principles are something I am willing to fight for, and I believe they are more important than any religious differences.

"I see this as an opportunity to engage in dialogue and reintroduce those who reject Jews, the legal system, and the Western world back into the realm of shared values.

"If we want to maintain our society, we must communicate with them. There is no inherent contradiction between the two goals."

Ashkenazi also believes he is doing the right thing but adds that emotionally the role is tough and this is the last time he's representing a terrorist. "As a defence lawyer, I often find myself empathising with the victims of the crimes my clients are accused of," he says.

"Their pain and suffering weigh heavily on my conscience, and I hold their trauma with deep respect. It is important to me that I never further injure them in my pursuit of justice for my clients.”

The coordinated attacks at the Bataclan concert hall, outside the Saint-Denis football stadium, and in various cafes throughout Paris, left 130 people dead, with 413 injured, 99 of them seriously.

Photo: On the anniversary of the attacks last year, people pay their respect to the victims (EPA/TERESA SUAREZ / POOL)