Arson Attack on Mandeure Mayor’s Property
In a startling incident, the mayor of Mandeure, Jean-Pierre Hocquet, faced an arson attack on his property during the night from Saturday to Sunday. The fire, which broke out around 2:45 a.m., engulfed three vehicles and a workshop but spared his house. The small town of Mandeure, with a population of approximately 5,000, was shaken by this event.
Investigation into the Deliberate Act
Montbéliard public prosecutor, Paul-Édouard Lallois, confirmed that initial findings suggest the fire was a deliberate act. An investigation into the 'deliberate destruction of other people’s property by fire' has been launched and is being handled by the gendarmerie. Criminal identification technicians (TIC) have been conducting extensive on-site surveys to determine the exact circumstances and identify any suspects.
Previous Attacks on Elected Officials
This incident is not an isolated case in the Doubs region. In recent years, there have been several arson attacks targeting elected officials. In 2020, an anarchist group claimed responsibility for burning the car of majority deputy Éric Alauzet, although the car was not his. Similarly, in 2016, the cars of the mayor and a commissioner in Valentigney were set on fire following a police raid. In response to such acts of violence, the National Assembly adopted a bill last February aimed at better protecting elected officials from violence, aligning sanctions for violence against local elected officials with those for violence against public authority figures like the police.
- Jean-Pierre Hocquet, who was alone at home during the incident, expressed his bewilderment, stating he has no clear idea who might want to target him. The swift action of the emergency services, alerted by a vigilant neighbor, prevented the fire from causing further damage.
- The investigation is ongoing, with the gendarmerie working diligently to uncover any leads. The community of Mandeure remains on edge as they await further developments in this case.
