RTL Today - 3 months after death in Pétange nightclub: Widow hopes for more support

The events of Jonathan Aubry's death at a nightclub in Pétange the day before Christmas Eve are expected to be clarified through a legal process.

On the two photos shown by Jonathan's widow at a press conference and at the legal study, the man is seen smiling. Described as being around 30 years old, tall, and strong, Aubry was involved in an incident at the "Champs Elysées" nightclub in Petange the night before Halloween. The specifics of what occurred that evening remain unclear. According to the prosecution, the investigation is still ongoing.

It is currently acknowledged that an altercation took place on the dance floor in the early hours of 23 December involving a 57-year-old security officer from the establishment. Jonathan fell to the ground and died at the scene. However, there are conflicting accounts regarding whether he was pushed or struck by the officer. Three months later, his widow and her two lawyers seek to highlight inconsistencies in the sequence of events. "Since December 24, 2023, my life has completely stopped," says Faïza Aubry-Bouraï, unable to hold back her tears. Her entire world revolved around her husband, whom she deeply misses. She expresses disappointment that her voice has not been heard thus far and mentions receiving no psychological support in Luxembourg. "I find it extremely difficult to cope with all of this," says the 34-year-old woman.

Aubry-Bouraï and her lawyers hope for an improved exchange with the judiciary. "We trust the authorities, but the lack of transparency is bothering us," explained the widow's brother. The family's lawyers say they are not receiving feedback or answers to their questions, nor any notifications of delays. "Of course we ask questions if we are not receiving responses from the investigating judge. Are things unclear? Is there new information?", said lawyer Bruno Vier.

In the same breath, the lawyers acknowledge that it is a long process - something that Aubry-Bouraï is well aware of, thanks to her familiarity with the justice system as a consequence of her career as a criminologist and clinical psychiatrist. Her job, which she cannot practise today, meant she was well-acquainted with serious cases.

The Pétange nightclub's security guard is still being investigated for involuntary manslaughter and bodily harm, which led to Aubry's unintentional death. "But it's not just the security guard who is at fault," Vier argued, saying that the nightclub manager should bear responsibility for ensuring the safety and care of their customers. Vier said the judiciary is likely to analyse all aspects of responsibility, but pointed out a previous incident which occurred just a month ago in a car park beside the nightclub, in which a person suffered serious knife injuries. Both Vier and lawyer Anthony Winkel expressed shock at the fact the nightclub reopened for business the day after Aubry's death.

Aubry-Bouraï is planning to organise a "marche blanche", or a white march, in Pétange to commemorate her husband's death and to thank the people who have supported her in recent months. The march is due to take place on 24 May and will start at the town hall, before proceeding to the nightclub for a minute's silence. She submitted her request for authorisation on Tuesday and is still awaiting a response from the local authorities.