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France Probes Death of 9-Year-Old in Sarreguemines After Alleged School Bullying

Prosecutors urge caution on tying the case to harassment despite reports of a farewell note.

Overview

  • The child was found dead at her family home on Saturday, with police sources cited by AFP reporting a possible suicide and a letter left behind.
  • Her mother and classmates reported persistent taunts about her weight since the start of the school year, and family sources say the school had been alerted.
  • Prosecutor Olivier Glady opened an inquiry into suspected school bullying and said there was no indication she had signaled her intentions beforehand.
  • An autopsy was ordered, psychological support was set up for the school community, and authorities noted the girl had no phone, pointing away from online harassment.
  • Mourners placed white roses outside the school as national attention grew, while Gabriel Attal condemned bullying in public remarks and two of the girl's brothers asked that tributes be removed.