Sexual abuse in Paris after-school care: 35-year-old youth worker goes on trial

A 35-year-old Paris after-school worker has gone on trial over allegations that he sexually assaulted five children aged three to five and sexually harassed two colleagues.

The case is the latest public courtroom hearing in a widening scandal involving Paris after-school care. It comes after city authorities announced a new action plan against violence against children on April 14, and after prosecutors said on May 17 that more than 100 establishments were under investigation.

The accused, identified as David G., denies the allegations, according to the reporting.

Wider scandal

The trial follows earlier coverage of the broader abuse scandal in Paris after-school settings. Le Monde reported on May 5 that the first trial in the case had opened, while later reporting pointed to an expanding set of investigations across nursery schools, primary schools and daycare centres.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said on RTL that the probe covered more than 100 institutions, including 84 nursery schools, around 20 primary schools and about 10 daycare centres.

The case has put pressure on the city to tighten reporting and oversight procedures. Paris city hall’s plan announced in April included new measures aimed at improving training, monitoring and the handling of complaints.

Further hearings in the wider scandal are expected as the investigation continues.