The murder of Elias, a 14-year-old teenager, stabbed Friday evening in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, caused a wave of shock among those close to him, his football club and political leaders. This tragic act, which occurred over a simple telephone theft, highlights the ultraviolence of everyday life.
Elias was leaving his football training at the Jules-Noël stadium when he was approached by two minors, aged 16 and 17, already known for acts of theft and extortion. The latter, armed with a knife, tried to steal his phone. Faced with resistance from the teenager, one of them stabbed him in the collarbone. Although quickly treated by Samu and transported to Necker hospital, Elias did not survive his injuries, succumbing to internal bleeding.
The two suspects were arrested shortly after at their parents’ home. They were subject to a judicial ban on dating each other, following a violent theft case dating from last October.
The emotion is palpable among parents and members of Patronage Olier (PO), the Elias football club, who have canceled upcoming matches and training sessions. “We are all frightened, it could have happened to our children,” confides one parent, while another highlights the growing insecurity in the neighborhood in the evening.
Political leaders also reacted. François Bayrou, Prime Minister, expressed his indignation: “Elias, 14 years old. He was going to football practice. These lines are unbearable to write. Feeling of impunity, adolescent violence, public enemy. » François-Xavier Bellamy, LR MEP, denounced failing juvenile justice: “Reforming juvenile justice is an absolute emergency. »
-Matthias Renault, RN deputy, spoke of a “wilding born from a general feeling of impunity” and called for a “electric shock of authority”.
This drama highlights a broader problem of recidivism, violence and laxity among minors. “There was no impunity when we look at their journey,” declared Carine Petit, PS mayor of the 14th arrondissement to Le Parisien. But she stressed the need to strengthen prevention mechanisms to avoid such acts.
The murder of Elias arouses deep sadness and fuels the debate on the judicial response to violence which strikes earlier and more often.
Belgium
