Who is Karim Achoui ? A little known French Algerian lawyer in Paris?
Introduction
Karim Achoui is a controversial French-Algerian former lawyer, born in 1967 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. He gained notoriety for his alleged connections to organized crime and his involvement in high-profile cases, earning him the nickname “avocat des voyous” (advocate of thugs) in the media.
Legal Career
Achoui began his legal career in 1993 at the Court of Paris. He initially worked with his former lecturer, Jean-Marc Florand, and was involved in some of Jacques Vergès’ cases. In 2000, he opened his own law firm and gained prominence by:
Winning several high-profile cases, including acquittals for members of organized crime groups
Representing various celebrities, including actors and athletes
Defending Islamists, which attracted the attention of French intelligence services
Controversies and Legal Issues
Achoui’s career has been marked by several controversies:
In 2007, he survived an assassination attempt, being shot twice outside his office in Paris
In 2015, he was disbarred from the Paris Bar Association due to ethical breaches
In 2024, he was found guilty of illegally practicing law and breach of trust
Other Activities
Besides his legal career, Achoui has been involved in other pursuits:
He founded the League of Judicial Defense of Muslims (Ligue de défense judiciaire des musulmans) in 2013
He has appeared as an actor in some films, including “Last Summer” (2023) and “Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq” (2014)
Conclusion
Karim Achoui’s career has been a mix of high-profile legal cases, controversies, and involvement in various social and cultural activities, making him a notable and divisive figure in French society.