French authorities open formal judicial inquiry into alleged sexual abuse of children committed by its troops in Central African Republic
The abuse case - allegedly by French troops sent to protect civilians from sectarian violence - was made public last week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.French authorities have opened a formal judicial inquiry into alleged sexual abuse of children by French troops in the Central African Republic.
The move hands the investigation to independent judges instead of the Paris prosecutor's office, in an acknowledgement of the seriousness and complexity of the accusations, amid international dismay surrounding the case.
After the French defence ministry was informed of the rape accusations last summer, the Paris prosecutor opened a preliminary investigation.
The case was made public only last week, more than nine months later, following a report in the Guardian.
French authorities decided to upgrade the investigation to a judicial inquiry led by independent magistrates, the prosecutor's office said.
The troops accused of abuses were sent to the Central African Republic to protect civilians from sectarian violence.
Agencies
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.