Man Arrested in France for Allegedly Kidnapping and Threatening Jewish Woman

A 32-year-old man in Gennevilliers, a suburb of Paris, was arrested on Sunday, April 21, 2024, accused of kidnapping, raping, and making death threats against a Jewish woman. The suspect, who claims to work at the RATP, allegedly said his actions were a "vengeance for Palestine."

According to the Nanterre public prosecutor's office, which has opened an investigation into the incident, the suspect is charged with "narcotic drug use and written death threats based on religion" and will be tried on June 21. The victim had agreed to go to the suspect's apartment, where he refused to let her leave, stole her phone, and sent threatening messages to her mother and ex-boyfriend.

The suspect reportedly sent messages to the victim's mother threatening to "prostitute" her daughter. The woman was able to recover her phone and call for help, and authorities from the search and intervention brigade (BRI) were able to locate and rescue her from the apartment after several days of being detained against her will.

Why this matters: This disturbing incident highlights the ongoing issue of antisemitism and religiously motivated violence in France and Europe. It emphasizes the need for continued efforts to combat hate crimes and protect vulnerable communities.

The SDPJ 92 (departmental service of the judicial police of Hauts-de-Seine) is handling the investigation. The victim was found safe after the police intervention, and the suspect is currently in police custody awaiting trial. "The police were able to locate the victim's phone and end her ordeal after several days," a source close to the investigation stated.

Key Takeaways

• 32-year-old man arrested for kidnapping, raping, and threatening Jewish woman
• Suspect claims actions were "vengeance for Palestine"; charged with drug use, death threats
• Victim held against her will, threatened with prostitution; rescued by police after days
• Incident highlights ongoing antisemitism and religiously motivated violence in France
• Suspect in custody awaiting trial; investigation handled by SDPJ 92 police department