What happened at the prestigious military academy? This is what the Ploërmel research brigade, in charge of the three investigations opened by the Rennes military prosecutor's office into cases of sexual assault and misogyny at the Saint-Cyr military school, will have to determine. Thursday the public prosecutor of Rennes, Philippe Astruc to Le Parisien, confirming information from France 2.
Last November, the management of the Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan military academy filed three reports with the Rennes military prosecutor's office for "acts of a sexual nature" committed, between July and November 2023, within the school. between students, said Philippe Astruc. However, the prosecution specifies to Le Parisien, no complaint “from potential victims” has been filed.
“Have you thought about this officer’s career? »
Facts revealed during an investigation, broadcast Wednesday April 17, in “L'Œil du 20 Heures” on France 2. According to our colleagues, several cases of sexual assault and misogyny have been reported within the military academy .
A first sexual assault allegedly occurred in July 2023, during the Triumph ceremony during which cadet officers christen their promotion. “An officer pushed a student against the wall to forcefully kiss her. She managed to escape to report directly to her section chief. The latter's response was explicit: 'Have you thought about this officer's career? His family ?' He dissuaded her from speaking,” a member of the school told France 2 anonymously.
According to journalists, no prosecution has been initiated by the school, which claims to have never been aware of the facts reported.
“Things are getting worse for women”
Another testimony obtained by our colleagues illustrates the particularly misogynistic climate within the military establishment. “Since the fall, things have deteriorated considerably for the women of the battalion. Out of 18 girls, two are on sick leave, one tried to end her life and two others experienced sexual assault,” explained a student, in a written testimony sent to France 2.
The management of Saint-Cyr, contacted by France 2, indicates that it has taken administrative measures following these reports. “In one of the cases, the offending student received a sanction of 30 days of suspension and the termination of his contract. In two other cases, the command investigation was unable to establish the truth,” the Saint-Cyr communications service clarified to our colleagues.
These three reports were transmitted, in application of article 40 of the code of criminal procedure, to the Rennes military prosecutor's office, on November 2, 16 and 29, 2023, Philippe Astruc confirmed to Le Parisien. All three investigations are ongoing.