Allegations of a gang rape involving three boys and a 12-year-old Jewish girl in northern France have ignited a wave of concern over rising antisemitism in the country, just ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. The incident, which occurred on June 15, has prompted reactions from politicians across the spectrum.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the incident as a manifestation of the 'scourge of antisemitism' that he believes is growing in French schools. The Nanterre prosecutor's office has launched an inquiry into the alleged 'aggravated rape' of the minor, with three boys aged 12 and 13 taken into custody.
The investigation is looking into whether the girl was targeted because of her religion, with two of the boys facing charges related to aggravated gang rape of a minor and group violence against a minor for reasons of religion. The third boy is under 'assisted witness' status in connection to the alleged rape.
According to reports, the girl was attacked by the boys as she tried to return home after meeting a friend. The group physically assaulted her while hurling antisemitic insults, including death threats and derogatory remarks about her Jewish identity.
Antisemitic incidents in France have seen a significant increase, with a 284% rise between 2022 and 2023, according to data from the French interior ministry. This surge has raised concerns about the prevalence of antisemitism in the country, particularly in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The incident has sparked a heated political debate, with far-right leaders like Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen pledging to address antisemitism if elected. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal criticized left-wing opponents for downplaying the severity of antisemitism, emphasizing the need to combat antisemitic rhetoric and prevent its normalization.
The public response to the incident was evident as demonstrators gathered outside Paris's city hall, carrying placards denouncing antisemitism and demanding justice for the victim. The Conseil représentatif des institutions juives de France (CRIF), a prominent Jewish organization, called for a thorough investigation into the crime and its antisemitic nature.
