Indicted for harassment following the suicide of Evaëlle, an 11-year-old college student in Herblay, her French teacher may not find a class anytime soon.
The investigating chamber of the Versailles court of appeal confirmed Thursday afternoon the teaching ban ordered by the Pontoise investigating judge as part of her judicial review.
A provision against which the teacher had appealed.
The court also confirmed an obligation for psychological care and a ban on contacting the victims.
A decision greeted with relief by Marie and Sébastien, the parents of the young girl, who learned this Friday of the court judgment.
A hearing that was held behind closed doors
“The court justified its decision on 70 pages, which is rare, confides this Friday the mother of Evaëlle, Marie.
It is a satisfaction, justice recognizes what the children have lived.
It also protects the children that the teacher could potentially have in class.
"
"The Advocate General had requested confirmation of the teaching ban, considering that there was too much risk that the teacher would end up in front of children," says the father, Sébastien.
Above all, she felt that it was necessary to protect the mental health of children.
"
Evaëlle, 11, was the victim of bullying at school.
She ended her life on June 21, 2019. DR
Assisted Thursday at the court of their lawyer, Me Delphine Meillet, who greets "exceptional parents who have invested a lot", Marie and Sébastien wanted to attend the hearing of the investigation chamber, which took place in behind closed doors.
"We are convinced that she is a danger for some children"
"We felt that the court knew the case perfectly and retraced the whole investigation at length, for 40 minutes," says Marie.
It is a matter that matters to us for our daughter, but also for the other children that the teacher might meet.
The teacher did not come to defend her call, but we are here.
We are convinced that it is a danger for some children.
Not for everyone, it's true.
She chose some of them.
"
She adds "calmly await the trial" in a few years.
“This decision also helps us to find appeasement, not to let anger invade us.
Evaëlle is currently recognized as a victim.
Let Justice say so, it is very strong.
"
"The investigating judge did what the National Education should have done"
Remarks extended by Evaëlle's father: “National Education could take a precautionary measure so that she stops teaching.
It would have been relevant.
The examining magistrate did what the National Education should have done ”.
Me Delphine Meillet also indicates that the couple will meet the Minister of National Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer on October 20.
An interview which will join, she specifies, the rector of the Academy of Versailles, at the request of the latter.
The teacher is "devastated" according to her lawyer
The lawyer of the professor of French, Me Marie Roumiantseva, recalls for her part all the stake of the decision of the chamber of instruction, for this "teacher for thirty-three years who presents a path of excellence", she underlines, "and which is devastated today".
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This 58-year-old teacher, who now lives in Brittany, also a mother of three children, could lose this work of a lifetime: “If the situation does not change, the administration will be able to observe in four months the failure of the teacher and find themselves stripped of the public service ”.
Five students also in the sights of justice
Evaëlle hanged herself to her bed on June 21, 2019 after suffering several months of alleged bullying at the Isabelle-Autissier college, in Herblay.
A judicial investigation was opened on November 8, 2019 for manslaughter against X and for harassment of a minor of 15 years against several students and the French teacher of the college student.
Five students would to date be targeted by justice.
Marie and Sébastien believe that her behavior was central to the harassment suffered by their daughter.
“Our suspicion,” says Marie, “is that the teacher started something in class and that the students continued afterwards.
"
VIDEO. Suicide of Evaëlle: "Teachers are justiciable like the others"