Parliament Refers New Bétharram Abuse Cases to Prosecutor

Recent discoveries of sexual violence at the Catholic school, including 2024 incidents, intensify scrutiny of systemic failures and missing records.

The parliamentary commission uncovered a 'signalement' from the 2020s regarding sexual violence at Bétharram, raising questions about archival transparency.
Two cases of student-on-student sexual violence from 2024 were reported, with the latest incident brought to the school head in February 2025.
These cases have been formally referred to the prosecutor in Pau under Article 40 of the Penal Code for further investigation.
The commission highlighted missing administrative records and incomplete archives, complicating efforts to trace accountability for past abuses.
The French government launched the 'Brisons le silence' plan to strengthen oversight, including hiring more inspectors and surveying boarding students.