France launches a preliminary investigation into hit-and-run death of Lee Zeitouni

An investigation into involuntary homicide was made possible follwowing legal action made by Zeitouni's family in Israel. A french magistrate will soon be named to supervise the investigation into involuntary homicide, according to news agency AFP.

Lee Zeitouni, aged 25, was hit by a speeding car in September last year and then left to die. Claude Khayat and Eric Robic have admitted being in the car at the time of the collision. The two accused fled Israel soon after.

In February, former president Nicolas Sarkozy promised justice to the victim’s family if they filed an official complaint. However French extradition laws do not guarantee the two men will be extradited to Israel, since it is outside of the European Union. 

A campaign group had been set up in Israel calling for the two men involved in the car accident to be tried in Israel.