Three Tunisians Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of French National Romain Pizzato
Tunis, Tunisia – On Wednesday, February 19, a court in Tunisia sentenced three individuals to life in prison for the premeditated murder of French national Romain Pizzato, who was found dead on the popular tourist island of Djerba in 2022.
The victim, a 42-year-old ski instructor from the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France, was discovered lifeless in the swimming pool of a house on September 17, 2022. Three suspects, including two brothers aged 23 and 26 and a 28-year-old woman described as the victim’s fiancée, were apprehended three days later.
Autopsy results revealed that Pizzato had been strangled to death. According to media reports citing investigative findings, his body also bore traces of physical trauma, including bruises and scratches.
During the opening day of the trial in October 2024, the female defendant retracted her initial confession, claiming that she had only had an argument with the victim.
"This is a momentous day and an immense relief for my client and all those who loved Romain," said Besma Maghrebi, the attorney representing Pizzato’s mother, Odile Pizzato.
In a statement released by her lawyer, Pizzato’s mother expressed gratitude that "justice has been served for Romain." While lamenting her inability to repatriate her son’s body to France, she expressed hope that she would "manage to find some peace, even though the pain is still present."
Pizzato praised the Tunisian justice system for its handling of the case, but acknowledged that the battle was not yet over as the defendants had announced their intention to appeal.
Tourism Concerns and International Attention
The murder of Romain Pizzato on Djerba, known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, raised concerns about the safety of tourists in Tunisia. The island has traditionally been a popular destination for European vacationers, particularly retirees from France.
The case gained significant international attention, with French authorities urging their citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Tunisia. The French Foreign Ministry updated its travel advice for Tunisia, advising travelers to "be particularly vigilant and avoid isolated areas" and to "avoid walking alone on deserted beaches or isolated roads, especially at night."
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the discovery of Pizzato’s body, Tunisian authorities launched a swift investigation. The three suspects were arrested within days, and the case was brought to trial in October 2024.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence linking the three defendants to the murder, including DNA evidence and witness testimony. The defense attorneys argued that the evidence was insufficient and that their clients were innocent.
After several hours of deliberation, the court found the three defendants guilty of "premeditated murder." The court sentenced all three to life in prison, the maximum penalty under Tunisian law.
Continuing Battle for Justice
While the verdict has brought some closure to the family of Romain Pizzato, his mother has vowed to continue her fight for justice. She intends to pursue an appeal and seek the repatriation of her son’s body to France for a proper burial.
The case has also highlighted the challenges faced by the Tunisian tourism industry, which relies heavily on foreign visitors. Officials in Tunisia have implemented measures to enhance security and reassure tourists in the wake of Pizzato’s murder, but the impact on the tourism sector remains to be seen.
