Lawyers Suspend Activities as Two Police Officers Charged with Rape at Bobigny Tribunal

In early November 2025, two police officers working at the Bobigny tribunal have been charged with aggravated rape following allegations from a woman who claimed she was raped twice while in custody on the night of October 28-29. The accused officers, aged 35 and 23, face serious criminal charges related to this incident reportedly occurring within the detention center located in the basement of the Bobigny court.

In response to this grave violation, the bar association of Seine-Saint-Denis announced the suspension of all legal interventions at the criminal court of Bobigny, condemning the alleged actions as intolerable infringements of fundamental rights and emphasizing the severity of crimes committed by public authorities against detainees. Sandrine Beressi, the bâtonnière, stated that the decision was taken after careful consideration and called for an administrative investigation to understand how such acts could occur on court premises.

The detention center at Bobigny has previously faced criticism for its poor conditions, especially after a death occurred there in December 2024, highlighting longstanding failures in ensuring detainee safety and dignity. The bar association strongly criticized the authorities for failing to uphold these responsibilities.

This incident has triggered a significant crisis of confidence regarding the treatment of individuals in custody at one of France's major courts, which is currently slated for expansion and renovation.

The case is ongoing, with authorities expected to investigate both the specific allegations against the police officers and the broader systemic issues within the Bobigny detention center.