Teenager charged with offenses

A 16-year-old teenager was placed under judicial supervision for offenses including "apology for terrorism, insults, and participation in a gathering with the aim of committing violence or damage," according to Joël Garrigue, the prosecutor of the Republic in Caen (Calvados). The teenager admitted to "insulting the principal of a high school in Caen and members of law enforcement."

Wearing symbolic clothing

The teenager also admitted to wearing "a football jersey printed with the name 'Ben Laden'" during these incidents. The teenager is scheduled to appear before the juvenile court in December 2026.

Videos show multiple individuals

According to information from ICI Normandie, the teenager is among the three people posing back-to-back in these videos published on October 8, wearing shirts printed with the names of Merah, Ben Laden and Hitler, in front of two schools.

Authorities informed of the case

The case was brought to the attention of the prefecture and the DDSEN. The prosecutor's office in Caen was informed by the prefecture and the departmental direction of national education services in Calvados.

Legal obligation to report crimes

The prefect of Calvados informed the public that as soon as they became aware of videos posted on Snapchat showing violence against law enforcement, the destruction of a school building in Caen, and content related to t-shirts referencing terrorism and the use of fireworks, they quickly informed the prosecutor of the Republic under the provisions of Article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Legal requirement explained

Article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure states: "Any constituted authority, any public officer or official who, in the performance of their duties, becomes aware of a crime or offense is required to immediately inform the prosecutor of the Republic and to forward to this magistrate all information, statements, and documents related to the matter."