Charges Filed in Crépol Dance Party Stabbings

Nearly three years after a violent incident at a dance party in the small French village of Crépol, judges have decided to charge twelve individuals with murder and attempted murder, citing the aggravating circumstance of “racism against white people and the French nation.”

On November 18, 2023, what was supposed to be a joyous winter ball in the southeastern village turned tragic. A group of individuals described as “outsiders” allegedly attacked attendees, resulting in multiple stabbings. Sadly, one victim, a 16-year-old student named Thomas Perotto, lost his life, and three others sustained serious injuries.

The attackers were reportedly from the diverse La Monnaie neighborhood of the nearby commune of Romans-sur-Isère.

After lengthy legal proceedings, two investigating judges issued an indictment on Friday, charging eleven juveniles with Perotto’s murder and the attempted murder of others present at the event. A twelfth individual faces charges of aggravated assault as a repeat offender.

Importantly, the judges opted to include the aggravating factor of anti-white and anti-French racism in the charges, as noted by the local Le Dauphiné Libéré newspaper.

In their ruling, the judges cited testimonies from 19 witnesses, along with one defendant, who reported offensive comments aimed at the honor and reputation of white people belonging to the French nation, made in the lead-up to and during the violence. Some witnesses claimed that the attackers shouted, “We are here to stab white people!” as the assault unfolded.

Due to privacy regulations in France, the identities of the defendants have not been disclosed. However, there are claims suggesting that at least one of the assailants may have “North African origins,” while another allegedly had “a historically French first and last name.”

The investigation has yet to clarify which defendants were directly responsible for the stabbings. The judges pointed out that the “code of silence” among the defendants complicated the investigation. They noted, “It must be acknowledged that the complexity of the case, involving collective violence by numerous participants, hindered the truth-finding process.”

Additionally, evidence from certain cell phones and wiretaps indicated that some defendants had pertinent information about the events, which they attempted to keep hidden.

The judges’ decision to charge the defendants based on accusations of anti-white racism comes despite the stance taken by the Valence public prosecutor’s office, which indicated that while there were “racist insults” exchanged, they could not pinpoint a clear racial motive for the attack.

As reported by Le Figaro, the judges’ ruling was influenced by evidence presented by the General Alliance Against Racism and for Respect for French and Christian Identity (AGRIF), which is acting as a civil party for two young men who attended the dance.

Meanwhile, three defense attorneys have challenged the inclusion of the aggravated circumstance of racism in this case, filing motions for the recusal of the investigating judges involved.

Reacting to the judges’ decision, Marie-Hélène Thoraval, the Mayor of Romans-sur-Isère, expressed her approval. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the victims’ experiences, stating, “It’s essential to hear the victims’ voices. This is a discussion that must occur. The judges will ultimately have to assess the evidence,” while also pointing out the negative impact violence has on communities that have successfully integrated.