Over 2,000 Gather in Mitry-Mory for White March Against School Bullying Following Teen's Suicide

On January 25, 2026, a white march in Mitry-Mory drew over 2,200 participants to honor Camélia, a 17-year-old student who tragically committed suicide on January 13 after enduring persistent school bullying. The event was a powerful call to action against harassment in schools and highlighted the urgent need for better support systems for victims.

Camélia's uncle, Salim Ayachi, spoke during the march, emphasizing the critical importance of listening to children and encouraging victims of harassment to speak out. He lamented that "the words of children stifled by the silence of adults end up killing," a sentiment echoing the frustration felt by Camélia's family who reported that despite her daily insults and humiliation, her cries for help were largely ignored. Camélia had documented her experiences in letters and had met with her school principal on the very day of her death.

Parents, students, and community members stressed the pervasive nature of bullying, particularly how rumors related to girls' reputations can perpetuate harassment with severe consequences. Attendees carried banners proclaiming "Together Against School Bullying," underscoring the collective demand for more serious attention to such issues within educational institutions.

While the community mourned, the local prosecutor, Jean-Baptiste Bladier, urged caution in publicly naming individuals, including the school principal, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding Camélia's death continue. The family also made an appeal to schools to take responsibility and act decisively when signs of distress are reported.

This demonstration of solidarity marked a significant moment for Mitry-Mory and beyond, spotlighting the critical social issue of school bullying and the tragic consequences when it goes unaddressed.