The act, described as “stupid”, was allegedly committed by children.
The Daniel-Jeanney elementary school, which accommodates around 230 children in Grand-Charmont (not far from Montbéliard, in Doubs) in a Republican reconquest district, was vandalized on Saturday afternoon, the prosecutor told AFP of the Republic, Paul-Edouard Lallois.
Alerted by a local resident, the mayor of this town of nearly 6,000 inhabitants went to the establishment, from where he saw “five to six young minors (…) aged between 10 and 13 years old fleeing.” maximum,” reported Paul-Edouard Lallois.
Emergency DNA surveys
Inside, the mayor discovered “a vision of carnage”, according to the magistrate.
“Everything happened: all the classrooms were damaged, searched, cupboards opened, tables and chairs overturned.”
The computer equipment, including two interactive whiteboards, was completely degraded, as was the fire alarm system.
The refectory part was also ransacked, with sauce thrown on the floor and walls, according to the prosecutor.
The municipality estimates the damage at least 30,000 euros, according to him.
PHOTOS - In Doubs, after the damage, 30,000 euros of damage to the primary school of Grand-Charmont, near Montbéliardhttps://t.co/2auqZVZ8o4 pic.twitter.com/cbXeCrQq8z
— France Bleu Besançon (@bleubesancon) February 26, 2024
“It is an act of complete stupidity, which consists of breaking for the pleasure of breaking,” he said.
“I am counting on a civic burst or repentance which could irrigate some of these young people,” declared Paul-Edouard Lallois.
“I invite parents or older brothers who have heard of certain elements or certain names of young people to report quickly to the gendarmerie.”
The municipality filed a complaint with the gendarmerie and the prosecutor urgently ordered DNA fingerprinting.
Even when they are under 13 years old, minors can be considered criminally responsible on the basis of a psychological expertise, underlined the prosecutor.
As for parents, they can be held civilly responsible for the actions of their children.