A 12-year-old Jewish girl was subjected to a brutal rape in a suburb of Paris over the weekend.
Now, two teenagers have been arrested for the gang rape, which is believed to have had anti-Semitic undertones. The incident is increasing tensions ahead of France's upcoming election.
The girl was attacked in a park in Courbevoie on Saturday evening. Three boys, including one 12-year-old and two 13-year-olds, dragged her into a shed and assaulted her. They then raped her in a brutal manner. According to the police, the boys made death threats and anti-Semitic insults during the attack.
On Monday, the three perpetrators were arrested. Both teenagers were remanded in custody on Tuesday evening. The third boy, who is not suspected of participating in the rape itself, was released on bail.
The brutal rape has shocked France's Jewish population. Since the war in Gaza broke out in October, France has seen a threefold increase in anti-Semitic incidents, according to official figures.
The Mayor of Courbevoie has condemned the attack in strong terms and called for the perpetrators to be brought "to justice in full force", regardless of their age.
The rape has also heightened tensions ahead of the country's upcoming election. The election, whose first round takes place on 30 June, is expected to potentially result in the far-right National Rally (RN) coming to power for the first time.
