22 members linked to the Athanor Masonic lodge go on trial in Paris for murder and alleged hit-squad crimes (April 3, 2026).

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The Reporter: day. This is Biased Bipartisans, and I am The Reporter. Today is April third, twenty twenty-six at nine thirty-six PM Eastern. Here is your report on the twenty-two members of a Freemason lodge now on trial for murder.Here is what we know, and where it comes from.

According to The Guardian, reporting on March thirtieth, twenty twenty-six, twenty-two individuals connected to the Athanor Masonic lodge in Paris have gone on trial in France, facing charges that include murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and criminal conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that this group operated as a criminal network, running so-called “hit squads” on behalf of a mafia-style organization.

France24 and RFI confirm that the charges center on the murder of a racing driver, the attempted murders of a business coach and a trade unionist, as well as other violent crimes. The trial is taking place in Paris and is described as one of the most complex criminal proceedings in recent French history.

The Sun and RFI report that thirteen of the twenty-two defendants face possible life imprisonment if convicted. Among those on trial are not only Freemason members but also individuals with backgrounds in law enforcement and intelligence, according to France24 and Euronews.

The investigation reportedly began after a botched contract killing, as detailed by People Magazine and The Guardian. This failed attempt led authorities to uncover a broader network allegedly operating within the Athanor lodge, with prosecutors claiming the group used their Masonic connections to facilitate criminal activity, including arranging and carrying out violent attacks.