Investigation Launched After Woman Assaulted In Paris
Let’s dive into a deeply distressing incident that has shaken Paris just days before the Olympics begin. In the early hours of Saturday morning, a 25-year-old Australian woman was brutally gang raped in the Pigalle district. Harrowing security footage captured her seeking refuge inside a kebab shop, only to be confronted by one of her attackers.
The woman had spent the evening enjoying the vibrant nightlife around the Moulin Rouge cabaret before being approached and attacked by a group of five men.
After the assault, she escaped to the Dounia kebab shop on Boulevard de Clinchy, a street known for its arts and theater outlets, as well as its proximity to Paris’s red-light district.
CCTV footage shows the woman, visibly distressed and with her dress on inside out, cowering in the shop and begging for help. Shockingly, one of her attackers entered the shop shortly after, leading to a tense confrontation with a fellow diner who attempted to protect her. The man eventually left the restaurant after being confronted.
Staff and patrons tried to console the woman until police arrived. She was then taken to Bichat hospital, where she described the horrific ordeal to authorities. Despite her distress and inability to speak French, she managed to provide some details about the attack.
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed a judicial inquiry into the gang rape allegation and assured that a thorough investigation is underway. They are determined to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice quickly. However, no arrests have been made yet, and the attackers’ descriptions have not been officially released.
The woman had initially planned to return to Australia the day after the attack but has decided to stay in Paris to assist with the investigation. This case adds to a worrying pattern of sexual assaults in Paris, including recent attacks on a British woman during a music festival and a 12-year-old Jewish girl.
The timing of this incident is particularly troubling as Paris gears up for the Olympic Games. The city is under heightened security, with a significant police presence and stringent measures to ensure the safety of visitors. Yet, this attack has cast a shadow over the upcoming events, highlighting the ongoing issue of violence against women in the city.
The Australian Embassy in Paris is closely involved, making urgent inquiries with French authorities and offering consular assistance to the victim. This case has not only shocked Paris but also raised international concerns about the safety and security measures in place.