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🇫🇷 France /Crime & Justice

Parents must pay for children's actions, says mayor after park fire

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A fire in a park in Neuilly-sur-Marne, France, destroyed 2.5 hectares and 155 trees.
  • The mayor suspects three 10-year-olds started the blaze with fireworks and has filed a complaint against their parents.
  • He seeks parental responsibility for the damages, citing a previous incident where minors caused significant damage during riots.

Neuilly-sur-Marne's Parc du Croissant Vert suffered extensive damage when 2.5 hectares, including 155 trees, were consumed by flames. Mayor Zartoshte Bakhtiari, whose town was previously impacted by riots, has filed a complaint for public property damage and endangering lives. He is pushing for parents to be held accountable for the actions of their children, suggesting the fire was started by three approximately 10-year-old children playing with fireworks.

At ten years old. As if it were normal. Where were their parents? When did these kids get these tools, when did they light them?

— Zartoshte BakhtiariThe mayor expresses frustration and questions parental supervision regarding the children suspected of starting the park fire.

"At ten years old. As if it were normal," Bakhtiari expressed frustration, questioning parental supervision. He believes parents should bear the cost of repairs, estimated at 1.5 million euros, citing the civil code that holds them responsible for damages caused by minors under their care. The mayor emphasized the severity of the act, stating it was not a mere childhood prank but a grave offense.

It is up to them to pay. The civil code states that they are responsible for damages caused by minors under their care.

— Zartoshte BakhtiariThe mayor argues for parental financial responsibility for the damages caused by their children.

Bakhtiari recalled the aftermath of the 2023 riots, which caused 2.5 million euros in damages to Neuilly-sur-Marne. He expressed dismay that young perpetrators, some as young as 12 and 13, were released by the Bobigny court, a decision that disheartened him. He fears a similar leniency following the park fire would send the wrong message about consequences.

What they did there, it's not a 'prank' typical of their age, it's very serious. I filed a complaint so that justice opens an investigation and makes them understand.

— Zartoshte BakhtiariThe mayor emphasizes the gravity of the act and his intention to seek justice through legal channels.

Following the riots, Bakhtiari spoke with parents of some involved children. He noted that some parents seemed indifferent to their responsibility, while others urged for strictness. The mayor feels his role is limited to that of a municipal leader. His recent Instagram appeal for parents to "keep your kids in check!" resonated with the public, with over 120 supportive comments backing his call for parental accountability.

A sanction is a consequence. If there is none, what message are we sending?

— Zartoshte BakhtiariThe mayor questions the impact of leniency on young offenders and the message it sends to society.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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