Montpellier School Incident: Victim and Attackers Face New School Year with Major Changes

Victim to Continue Education from Home

Samara, a 13-year-old girl who was assaulted in front of her college in Montpellier in early April, will not return to school but will instead continue her education through distance learning. The rectorate announced that her health has improved but is not yet sufficient for her to resume on-site classes. This decision was made in agreement with her mother to ensure Samara's educational continuity from home.

Disciplinary Actions for Attackers

The students involved in the attack on Samara will face disciplinary councils to determine the necessary actions to be taken against each individual. These students will not be allowed back into their educational establishment for the time being. The rectorate emphasized the importance of these proceedings in maintaining the integrity and safety of the school environment.

Ongoing Investigations and Support Measures

Both administrative and judicial investigations are ongoing to fully uncover the details of the incident and to assign responsibilities. The Minister of Education, Nicole Belloubet, has extended the administrative investigation, while the public prosecutor's office continues its judicial inquiry. Additionally, support mechanisms such as a listening cell and mobile academic security teams (EMAS) will remain active to support students and staff as classes resume.

Context of the Attack

According to the Montpellier public prosecutor's office, the attack occurred amidst a backdrop of habitual insults and photo sharing among a group of teenagers on social networks. Three minors, aged 14 and 15, confessed to assaulting Samara and have been indicted for attempted intentional homicide, currently under judicial supervision.

This incident has prompted discussions on school safety and student behavior, with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal promising robust measures to tackle violence in and around schools.