French Mayor Detained on Charges of Rape and Domestic Violence
Nicolas Bazzucchi, mayor of La Penne-sur-Huveaune, faces allegations from multiple former partners, including rape, habitual violence, and non-consensual recording.
- Nicolas Bazzucchi, 29, mayor of La Penne-sur-Huveaune in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, was placed in provisional detention on Wednesday following serious allegations.
- He has been charged with rape, habitual violence, and recording sexual acts without consent, based on complaints from three former partners covering incidents between January 2023 and July 2024.
- The investigation, initiated in August 2024, included perquisitions at his home and the town hall, and is ongoing under the supervision of a magistrate.
- Bazzucchi denies the charges of rape and aggravated violence but admits to certain behaviors that could carry legal consequences, described by his lawyer as part of 'toxic relationships.'
- The mayor, who gained office in 2022 with local right-wing support, has not yet resigned and remains under judicial scrutiny as his legal team contests the necessity of his detention.
Libération 