Two Bobigny Police Officers Suspended Over Rape Allegations Amid Ongoing Investigations
Two police officers at Bobigny court have been suspended and are under investigation for allegedly raping a detained woman, prompting a criminal and administrative probe amid broader concerns about sexual violence in France.
- • Two police officers at Bobigny court are accused of raping a 26-year-old woman during detention.
- • Both officers have been suspended and placed in custody while investigations continue.
- • The Paris prosecutor's office and IGPN are handling the criminal investigation due to the severity of the case.
- • The Bobigny court faces criticism for detainee conditions, with calls for urgent reforms by French lawyers.
Key details
Two police officers stationed at the Bobigny judicial court have been suspended and placed in custody following allegations of raping a 26-year-old woman in the early hours of October 29. The woman reported being raped twice during her detention related to legal issues concerning her child. Both officers, aged 23 and 35, have admitted to engaging in sexual relations with the victim but contend the encounters were consensual. However, the gravity of the allegations prompted the transfer of the investigation to the Paris prosecutor's office.
The investigation is being conducted by the IGPN, the French police oversight body, alongside an administrative inquiry launched by the police prefecture. Patrice Faure, the new Paris police prefect, described the incident as "extraordinarily grave and unacceptable," underscoring the serious nature of the accusations. The Bobigny court, where the alleged assaults occurred, has recently faced criticism for operational challenges and inadequate treatment of detainees. In response, the syndicate of French lawyers has called for urgent reforms to address these issues and improve detainee conditions.
These events unfold amidst broader national concerns about rising violence and sexual assaults in France. According to the Ministry of the Interior, 325,000 people reported physical sexual violence in 2023—a 20% increase from the previous year—with women being five times more likely than men to report such incidents.
The case has raised significant public attention about police conduct and systemic issues within law enforcement at Bobigny court, highlighting the need for accountability and reform. Investigations remain ongoing as authorities seek to clarify the circumstances and hold those responsible to account.