France: Second case of rape and murder of schoolgirl in a few weeks

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In both cases, the far-right opposition criticized the government and judiciary for being soft on crime.

The case of the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl in the south of the country has shocked the French public, just a few weeks after the brutal crime involving a 12-year-old victim in Paris.

On Friday, police arrested a 31-year-old man accused of raping and murdering 14-year-old Vanessa after forcing her into his car as she left school that day. The 14-year-old girl’s body was found in an abandoned home and quickly identified with the help of security camera footage, authorities said.

The prosecutor of Azan (southern France) told reporters on Saturday that when police went to the 31-year-old’s apartment in Marmad, he told them “I know why you are here” and confessed.

According to authorities, the arrested man had been convicted in 2006 (aged 15 at the time) of sexual assault on a minor and had been given a 15-day suspended prison sentence.

The brutal crime occurred just weeks after the brutal murder of 12-year-old Lola, whose body was found in a suitcase outside her home in Paris. According to the authorities, the unfortunate student had been the victim of rape and torture before she was finally murdered. A 24-year-old woman was arrested and charged.

Lola’s killing also sparked political tension, with the opposition raising the issue of tougher immigration management because the 24-year-old was an irregular migrant.

In both cases, the far-right opposition criticized the government and judiciary for being soft on crime.

Dade Rinondo, the mayor of Marmadade, told reporters today that the Colombian parents of 14-year-old Vanessa wanted to bury their daughter in Granada, Spain, where the family lived before immigrating to France. He added that he has started an online fundraiser for the financial support of the family and that he will organize a march on Friday in memory of the victim.

RES-EMP

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