DNA, TATP and other mysterious codes add confusion to Paris terror trial

This court sketch made on September 16, 2021, shows a general view of the temporary courtroom set up for the trial of the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks, at the "Palais de Justice" courthouse in Paris. © BENOIT PEYRUCQ/AFP

On Wednesday, the trial of those suspected of involvement in the November 2015 terrorist attacks heard from a police investigator, from a DNA expert, and from a friend of several of the accused. The evidence was frequently intimidating, not to say incomprehensible.

The forensic analysis of DNA is a remarkable business.