Overview

• A 51-year-old lawyer allegedly crossed protective chains at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and tore up floral tributes on October 9 in Paris.
• She tried to flee by car, moved forward at low speed and struck an officer’s legs, then resisted arrest and bit a policeman on the wrist.
• Alcohol and drug screening reportedly returned a positive result for drugs, and she was placed under observation at the police psychiatric infirmary.
• The Paris prosecutor’s office ordered custody to resume after the evaluation as she faces counts including violation of sepulture, refusal to comply, violence against a public official, insult, rebellion and driving under the influence of narcotics.
• Authorities note the episode follows other recent profanations at the memorial, including a 2025 case of a man punished for using the eternal flame to light a cigarette.