Two soldiers, aged 19 and 21, were sentenced on Monday, April 29th in Strasbourg to two years in prison, with one year suspended, for assaulting a homosexual person. The two men, newly enlisted in the 152nd infantry regiment of Colmar, appeared in court detained for immediate comparison. The court showed more leniency than the prosecution, which had requested three years in prison, with two years suspended. The prosecutor, Eric Haeffele, had denounced “an act of rare violence” and “completely gratuitous.”
Alexis Coutelle, 19, and Temoana Teautoua, 21, were charged with violence against the victim, a 28-year-old man from Strasbourg, with only Coutelle facing charges for homophobic insults. Teautoua was charged with the violent theft of the victim’s bag, which contained money and two cell phones. The assault took place in the early hours of a Saturday in the center of Strasbourg, between 4 and 5 am. After an altercation with two other individuals, the two soldiers, who had been drinking heavily, attacked the victim who had tried to intervene.
Coutelle verbally abused the victim with homophobic insults, asserting his status as a “soldier,” according to witnesses. The victim, present at the hearing, suffered a head injury, a perforated eardrum, and loose teeth. He was prescribed ten days of medical leave. In the courtroom, both young soldiers admitted to the charges and apologized to the victim. The court also ordered them to seek treatment for their “impulsivity” and banned them from contacting the victim or appearing in Strasbourg for three years. They are also prohibited from possessing weapons for five years.
The sentencing of the two soldiers has sparked discussions about the persistence of homophobic and transphobic acts of violence. SOS Homophobie has spoken out about the need to address these issues. The incident in Strasbourg serves as a reminder of the dangers of intolerance and discrimination. The court’s decision to impose prison sentences with strict conditions reflects a stance against hate crimes and violence towards marginalized communities. It is important to continue raising awareness and promoting acceptance and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The case of the two soldiers serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of discriminatory behavior and violence. It highlights the importance of addressing prejudices and promoting tolerance and understanding in society. The assault on the homosexual victim was a traumatic event that resulted in physical and emotional harm. The court’s decision to hold the perpetrators accountable and impose penalties sends a message about the seriousness of hate crimes. It is a step towards justice and protection for individuals who face discrimination and violence based on their sexual orientation.
