Maximum sentence imposed

On Thursday, October 15, the criminal court of Hérault sentenced Alexandre Karaa to 20 years in prison, the maximum penalty, with a period of security set at two-thirds of the sentence. This means he will serve 13 years and four months of security measures after his initial sentence ends.

Ban on working with minors

The court also imposed a definitive ban on working with minors, ensuring Karaa cannot hold any position involving children or teenagers in the future, regardless of his release status.

Extended security measures possible

His situation may be reconsidered at the end of his sentence regarding the possibility of extended security measures, an exceptional measure linked to the assessment of his danger and risk of recidivism. This would require a new evaluation by authorities.

Gravity of the facts emphasized

President Éric Emmanuelidis emphasized the "gravity of the facts," committed against numerous women, mentioning the six victims tried in this case but also "at least fifteen other women." The court found the behavior to be "established" and "systematic."

Trauma and lack of empathy

The court highlighted the extent of the trauma, still present in the victims and their loved ones, as well as the "total absence of self-questioning" and "empathy" from the accused. The president also mentioned the failure to consider others and the persistence in denying the facts.

Financial offers and personality

He also recalled the financial offers made to three victims so they would not attend the trial and a personality described as related to "narcissistic perversion." Alexandre Karaa, former director of an institution accommodating people with disabilities in the Montpellier area, never admitted to the rapes.

Denial and debate on consent

In practical terms, a large part of the sexual practices were not contested: the debate focused for four days on the consent of the women and their refusals, which they claimed to have expressed during the acts. Several witnesses described links between Karaa and a banned far-right movement.