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Article 706-16-1 of the French Code of Criminal Procedure

When brought before the criminal courts, a civil action relating to an offence that constitutes an act of terrorism may only have as its object the initiation of public proceedings or the support of such proceedings. It may not seek compensation for the damage caused by the offence.

Civil action for compensation for the damage caused by an act of terrorism may not be brought in the criminal courts.
The civil action for compensation for this damage can only be brought before a civil court, separately from the public prosecution. In this case, Article 5 does not apply.

Where the criminal court is seised of a claim for compensation for damage caused by this offence, it shall refer the case, by a decision not subject to appeal, to the civil court having jurisdiction pursuant to article L. 217-6 of the Code of Judicial Organisation, which shall examine it as a matter of urgency in accordance with a simplified procedure determined by decree of the Conseil d’Etat.

Original in French 🇫🇷
Article 706-16-1

Lorsqu’elle est exercée devant les juridictions répressives, l’action civile portant sur une infraction qui constitue un acte de terrorisme ne peut avoir pour objet que de mettre en mouvement l’action publique ou de soutenir cette action. Elle ne peut tendre à la réparation du dommage causé par cette infraction.


L’action civile en réparation de ce dommage ne peut être exercée que devant une juridiction civile, séparément de l’action publique. L’article 5 n’est alors pas applicable.


Lorsque la juridiction répressive est saisie d’une demande tendant à la réparation du dommage causé par cette infraction, elle renvoie l’affaire, par une décision non susceptible de recours, devant la juridiction civile compétente en application de l’article L. 217-6 du code de l’organisation judiciaire qui l’examine d’urgence selon une procédure simplifiée déterminée par décret en Conseil d’Etat.

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