Teenager Arrested for Alleged Rape Near Eiffel Tower in Paris

A teenage suspect has been taken into custody following the shocking crime

A woman was allegedly raped during the night in a shocking attack in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. A teenage suspect has been taken into custody following the incident, which occurred near the iconic landmark.

Authorities state that a man forcibly dragged the victim behind a bush in the dead of night and proceeded to rape her. The victim's cries and screams alerted the crew of a nearby night crime patrol, who responded immediately. The suspect was arrested at the scene.

The individual in custody reportedly identified himself as a 17-year-old teenager of Libyan nationality. The prosecutor's office has confirmed that his identity is currently being verified. Officials also stated that the suspect was intoxicated at the time of his arrest.

The victim, believed to be a Ukrainian national, is scheduled to be re-interviewed by investigators. The prosecutor's office cited the need for further testimony, noting the victim was not French-speaking and was intoxicated at the time of the initial police intervention.

The assault is reported to have taken place at approximately 2:40 a.m. While the area around the Eiffel Tower is heavily surveilled—covered by 30 controllable camera sites, 85 fixed cameras, and ten other cameras in the nearby Trocadéro gardens—the attack has raised serious concerns.

According to statistics shared by Paris police, one rape has been recorded in the Champ-de-Mars area in 2024, compared to five in 2023. Seven sexual assaults have been recorded this year, compared to nine in the same area last year.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the appalling incident.