Afghan migrant charged with murder of Chinese woman in northern France

A 29‑year‑old Afghan migrant has been charged with the murder of a 65‑year‑old Chinese woman in Béthune, northern France. The victim, who was believed to be working as a prostitute, was found on 13 July with about 20 stab wounds in a short‑term rented apartment in the city centre. Police say the killing occurred on 11 July, two days before the body was discovered.

The suspect, who held subsidiary protection status in France, was arrested on 22 July and placed in pre‑trial detention. He admitted to the stabbing but has not provided a clear motive. French authorities have requested the removal of his protection, citing a serious threat to public order. A separate investigation is also under way into aggravated pimping linked to the same apartment, involving a Chinese man in his 40s who is under judicial supervision.

The case has drawn attention to the intersection of immigration status, illegal prostitution, and public safety concerns in France.