Beauvais court closed: asbestos risk detected

Friday December 20, 2024, Beauvais. A shock announcement for the inhabitants of Oise: the Beauvais court had to close immediately its doors. In question, a risk of asbestos contamination detected following work. An exceptional measure announced by the public prosecutor and the president of the court in a nightly press release.

An unforeseen event disrupts the functioning of Beauvais justice

This Thursday, December 19a worrying situation led to therapid evacuation staff at the Beauvais courthouse. Frédéric Trinhpublic prosecutor, and Aurélie Canoves Fusterpresident of the court, officially confirmed the closure “until further notice”. At the origin of this radical decision, a error made by a service provider during recent work. The incident raised fears of a release of asbestos fibers, a highly toxic substance banned in France since 1997.

Diagnosis in progress and temporary reorganization

From the first suspicions, strict preventive measures were taken. A indoor air diagnostics is currently underway, and results are expected in the coming days. In the meantime, hearings deemed urgent – ​​particularly in criminal matters – have been temporarily relocated in other structures. Furthermore, part of the judicial staff now operates in teleworkwhile certain non-urgent hearings had to be postponed and will be subject to future summons.

A rare but worrying situation

Cases of court closures for health reasons are rare but not without precedent in France. Asbestos, widely used as insulation in public buildings until the 1980s, remains a major problem, particularly during renovation or asbestos removal work unfortunately poorly done. This episode recalls the crucial issues in terms of workplace safety and public health, particularly in places as sensitive as the courts.

The residents and litigants of Beauvais will have to be patient: the reopening of the court will depend on the results of the checks and any additional security operations.

Short and long term impact

The closure of the court leading to immediate consequences on the progress of legal proceedings, the organization of hearings and staff schedules must be readjusted urgently. This situation also highlights the possibilities flaws in security protocols linked to work in buildings classified as sensitive.

In the coming days, the results of the air analyzes will be decisive in deciding the next steps. The priority remains above all the protection of the staff and users of this key building of Beauvais justice.