The Minister of National Education, Nicole Belloubet, announced on April 4th, the opening of an administrative investigation at the Arthur-Rimbaud College in Montpellier, following the violent assault of a 13-year-old girl named Samara at the end of classes on Tuesday in the La Mosson-La Paillade neighborhood. Inspectors from the Ministry of National Education will be conducting an eight-day flash mission starting on April 5th to gather information on what happened leading up to the incident at the school where Samara was enrolled.
Three minors, aged 14 and 15, including at least one female student from the same school, were placed in custody on Wednesday for “attempted murder on a minor under 15 years old,” according to the Montpellier prosecutor’s office. The teenage girl from the same school as Samara admitted to “inflicting blows” and has since been brought out of a coma for questioning by investigators on Thursday. The school authorities have implemented a security plan around the school premises with the help of police services and academic security teams. A counseling center has also been set up to provide support to students and staff.
During a television interview, Samara’s mother mentioned an online call to harm her daughter by the involved classmate, who seemed to have a personal grudge against the victim. The difference in lifestyle between Samara, who dresses in a Western style, and her classmate may have contributed to the conflict. Investigators have not yet mentioned any religious motives behind the attack. President Emmanuel Macron advised caution in labeling the incident and Minister Belloubet emphasized the importance of not jumping to conclusions before the investigation is completed.
The school community, including the principal, teachers, and students, have come together to show support for Samara and her family during this difficult time. The rector of Montpellier visited the school to meet with Samara’s mother and the school staff to discuss the incident. Security measures have been increased around the school to ensure the safety of students and staff. The involvement of law enforcement and academic security teams will help maintain order and prevent any further incidents from occurring on school grounds.
The incident at the Arthur-Rimbaud College has raised concerns about school safety and the need to address issues of bullying and violence among students. The Ministry of National Education is taking proactive measures to investigate the circumstances leading to the attack on Samara and to prevent similar incidents in the future. The importance of promoting a culture of respect and tolerance in schools is being emphasized by the government to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. As the investigation continues, efforts will be made to learn from the incident and make necessary changes to ensure the well-being of students in the educational system.
