In the Toga district of Bastia, nuisance and incivility have become a burdensome daily life for residents. Alexandra, 41, testifies after an attack that occurred Tuesday in the middle of the day, illustrating the ambient climate of insecurity. « It was 2 p.m. I was leaving my house, and a man drops his pants, showing what he should never have shown »says Alexandra. The individual, a homeless man of Polish origin, was in an advanced state of intoxication. “I took my phone to film it. But seeing this, he got angry, made a bad gesture to me and came closer to attack me. He grabbed my arm to stop me from filming.”
The police intervened quickly, and thanks to the video they had recorded, were able to arrest the man five meters further, in front of the old hospital. “There are several homeless people wandering in this area comparable to a triangle; between the old hospital, the shopping center and the A Fratellanza social home where they are often housed. We see them filming in these places »she adds. The man was held in police custody for a day and a half before being released and summoned to appear before the police court on December 19 for willful violence.. Alexandra, who filed a complaint, was prescribed one day of total incapacity for work (ITT).
A constant anxiety-provoking climate
Alexandra reflects a feeling of insecurity shared by many residents. “We, the residents, talk among ourselves, we try to protect each other. We are having gates installed with a digital code to limit intrusions.” She admits that she no longer goes out without precautions: « Since the attack, I always keep an anti-aggression bomb on hand ». According to a police source, these incidents are not rare in this sector, they are even « constants ». That same week, another homeless person, of French origin, housed at the A Fratellanza social shelter which helps marginalized people, was taken into police custody after a fight with a night watchman. The police point out that they systematically respond to reports and increase identity checks in the neighborhood.
Despite this presence « reinforced » on the ground, residents, like Alexandra, believe they live in a heavy atmosphere. “We no longer feel peaceful, we don’t feel safe. Whether man or woman, we live with this fear, and it's not normal »she continues.
Contacted, the Bastia town hall indicated, for its part, that this problem was known and that meetings had already taken place with residents of the neighborhood and, in particular, of rue Luce de Casabianca to try to find solutions to the nuisance. reported; attributed to homeless people.
