a mayor indicted for rape and violence placed in pre-trial detention

The councilor recognizes “violence”, according to his lawyer, but not “rape”. Me Jérôme Gay denounces an “overreaction” of the prosecution, considering the detention abusive.

The mayor of La Penne-sur-Huveaune (Bouches-du-Rhône), Nicolas Bazzucchi, was indicted on Wednesday for rape and domestic violence and was placed in pre-trial detention, France Bleu Provence reported Thursday, December 19. The 29-year-old councilor was arrested at his home on Monday, after a four-month investigation by the Territorial Crime Division (DCT). He is suspected of rape and violence against several of his former partners.

The mayor without label of the town in the eastern suburbs of Marseille denies the rapes, but acknowledges violence. “He is dejected by the incrimination of rape, which is shameful and which he absolutely denies”indicates his lawyer, Me Jérôme Gay. “It’s about toxic relationshipscontinues the lawyer. There was mutual violence. He also committed violence to which he partially admitted.” specifying that it is not necessarily a question of blows given, but of“insults”, of “cris”, of “spitting”, without further details.

His lawyer deplores a “overreaction” of the prosecution, considering that the placement “pre-trial detention has no place in this case”. Maître Jérôme Gay specifies that he will appeal this placement in detention for his client from this Thursday morning with a view to being released in the near future.

Nicolas Bazzucchi rules out resigning from his mandate, his lawyer says. He was elected in March 2022 after partial municipal elections, supported by the right, taking the town hall long held by the communists.