In a developing case that has captured public attention, a 17-year-old Libyan man, suspected of sexually assaulting a 32-year-old Ukrainian woman on the Champ-de-Mars in Paris, has been released under judicial supervision. The initial decision, made by a judge on Thursday night, came despite the Paris prosecutor’s request to hold the suspect in custody. An appeal against this decision has been filed by the prosecutor’s office.
The alleged incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Officers from the Paris anti-crime brigade (BAC), who were on patrol at the time, observed suspicious behavior. According to their account, the suspect was seen leading the woman into an isolated area among the bushes, where she visibly resisted and protested in English.
The police intervened as the suspect, reportedly in a state of significant intoxication, attempted to forcibly kiss the woman, who was also heavily inebriated. The woman accused the suspect of inappropriate touching, specifically claiming he inserted his hand into her jeans, a claim clarified by a taxi driver who translated her complaint to the officers on the scene.
The suspect, who has been identified as an isolated Libyan minor, faces charges including rape and aggravated sexual assault, with the accusations compounded by the victim’s intoxicated state at the time of the alleged crime.
Following the release, the suspect’s lawyer, Me Réda Ghilaci, praised the decision, suggesting it aligns with legal norms and procedural codes. Meanwhile, the suspect vehemently denies the allegations.
As the legal process continues, a hearing is anticipated within the next ten days to address the prosecutor’s appeal. It remains uncertain if the suspect, who reportedly has no ties or employment in France, will appear at the proceeding.
