Authorities report multiple arrests in sexual violence cases in Madagascar and France

In Madagascar, authorities have arrested a 47-year-old man following the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl with mental disabilities in the Ambohijanaka commune. This incident is part of a recent surge in reported cases; police noted that victims and their families are increasingly coming forward to file complaints. Other recent arrests for sexual violence involving minors have occurred in Namontana, Tolagnaro, Sambava, and Amparafaravola.

In France, a 13-year-old boy successfully assisted investigators in identifying a 42-year-old man in Perros-Guirec. The suspect, a former childminder with a prior criminal record for pedocriminality, allegedly used Snapchat to pose as a 15-year-old. The teenager preserved screenshots and video evidence of the interaction, which included a video call where the suspect's physical characteristics helped confirm his identity. The suspect remains in custody following a rejected release request by the Rennes Court of Appeal.