Two days after the assault on a 14-year-old girl outside her school in Montpellier, the Minister of National Education, Nicole Belloubet, announced on April 4, the launch of an administrative investigation, saying she wanted to “know everything about what happened in the weeks and months prior.” Belloubet stated that she would give the inspectors general of her ministry eight days to complete the investigation, from which she would draw “all necessary consequences.” She emphasized that her actions would be decisive and thorough, promising on live television that her resolve would not waver.
Belloubet also mentioned that an inspection team would be sent to the site for a quick investigation to establish the facts and determine the responsibilities related to the incident. She expressed her intention to uncover the truth about what had happened in the school where the victim, Samara, was enrolled in the weeks preceding the attack, both within and outside the school premises. The Minister stressed that it was essential to reveal the facts for the sake of Samara, her family, and the educational institution, indicating a strong commitment to seeking justice and accountability.
The attack on the young girl occurred on Tuesday around 4 p.m. outside the Arthur-Rimbaud middle school located in the Mosson neighborhood of Montpellier. Samara, who sustained serious injuries, had emerged from a coma by Wednesday evening according to statements from the Montpellier district attorney’s office. Three minors aged 14 and 15, at least one of whom was a student at the same school and admitted to striking the victim, were taken into custody on Wednesday on charges of attempting to murder a minor under 15.
The mother of the student had reported instances of bullying, particularly involving one of her daughter’s classmates, suggesting a possible conflict related to religious practices. Belloubet acknowledged the seriousness of the harassment claims and indicated that appropriate actions would be taken in the coming days. Additionally, a Socialist deputy from Essonne, Jérôme Guedj, revealed his intention to inform the Montpellier prosecutor about alleged religious threats that preceded the assault on Samara. He highlighted the intolerable nature of the insults directed at the victim based on her religious beliefs.
President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in on the matter during the inauguration of the Olympic aquatic center in Saint-Denis, stating that there was no justification for a young girl to be assaulted by peers of the same age. While he recognized the ongoing efforts to gather information and the legal proceedings, he refrained from making definitive statements until more evidence had been gathered. The incident sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of students, with educators expressing apprehension about rising levels of violence within schools, especially instances that are difficult to quantify and address effectively.
