The events date back to 6 May 2012, when the prestigious gymnastics team from the BSPP was returning from a sports match in Colmar and that two new recruits had been called into the ‘Bronx’, the name given to the back of the coach.
Underpants torn off, pinching, spanking, violent bites on the buttocks drawing blood… Most of the defendants will appear in court to ‘ assault ’, three for “ sexual assault ” and two of them, for having “ failed to prevent a crime or offence against physical integrity ”.
“This affair has been a disaster”
Firefighters had stated during the investigation that this hazing was “ a tradition dating back almost a century ”, “ not based on any form of compulsion ” and that many of them had been there before.
According to the lawyer for one of the defendants, the events took place in a party atmosphere that got out of hand, and one of the victims was subjected to hazing at his own request. His client, now aged 29, is no longer Paris firefighter, but a painter. “His dream was shattered in mid-flight” he adds. The lawyer representing the two victims believes that “This affair has been a disaster for everyone”.
All found guilty
On Tuesday, the Criminal Court of Paris has handed down its verdict. The seven firefighters were found guilty of ‘assault in a group’ or ‘failure to prevent an offence’ and have been given suspended sentences.
The three men found guilty of “gang sexual assault” against Jérémy D. have been sentenced to prison terms (six months for one, four months for the other two).
A "tradition"
Throughout the trial, most of the defendants had justified their behaviour on the grounds of a ‘tradition’ which has been practised since the creation of this elite section in 1919.
«This tradition of ‘hazing’ is intended to honour a young firefighter and mark their full integration into the team. It is a source of respect and pride.", explained one of the gymnasts on the parallel bars.