In a disturbing incident that took place in Alfortville, Val-de-Marne, a 10-year-old boy was verbally assaulted by two slightly older children. The boy, who was carrying a Catholic cross, was called a 'dirty Christian' and a 'dirty Jew' by the two 11-year-olds. This incident, which occurred in the Grand Ensemble district, has prompted the victim's family to file a complaint, leading to an investigation by the Créteil public prosecutor's office.
The verbal attack on the young boy comes just five days after a horrific anti-Semitic rape of a 12-year-old Jewish girl in Courbevoie, Hauts-de-Seine. These events have significantly heightened concerns about rising anti-Semitism and religious intolerance in France. Minister of Justice Éric Dupond-Moretti emphasized that 'anti-Semitism is not residual' in the country and criticized certain political leaders for spreading divisive rhetoric.
The mayor of Alfortville, Luc Carvounas, expressed his deep concern about the current climate of hate and intolerance. He stressed the importance of unity and vowed to follow the investigation closely. In response to the incident, Carvounas reiterated his commitment to maintaining harmony in the town, which has a history of welcoming diverse nationalities and faiths.
This incident also follows recent anti-Semitic vandalism in Alfortville, where municipal services had to urgently remove offensive tags. The mayor's office has been proactive in addressing these issues, aiming to foster an inclusive environment for all residents.
- The suspects in the verbal assault case, both aged 11, have been identified and are expected to be questioned by the Alfortville police. The Créteil public prosecutor's office has indicated that the charges could be classified as 'insults of a religious nature.'
- The victim's family acted promptly by filing a complaint, which has led to the opening of an investigation. The quick response from both the family and local authorities highlights the seriousness with which these incidents are being treated.
- Mayor Luc Carvounas has been vocal about his commitment to unity and inclusivity in Alfortville. Following the incident, he stated, 'My role is to bring people together and not to divide. We must be there to give meaning.' His administration has been actively working to address and prevent hate crimes in the community.
