Acquittal in Alphonse-Baudin Case Sparks Protests – Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office Files Appeal

Paris – 09.07.2026: On Thursday morning, around a hundred parents, relatives and supporters gathered in front of the École Alphonse-Baudin in the 11th arrondissement. With signs and chants they demanded clarification and stronger protective measures for children in out-of-school care. The trigger for the protest was a decision by the Tribunal correctionnel de Paris on Tuesday: the 36-year-old former youth worker David G. was acquitted regarding allegations of sexual assaults on nine children; for harassment against female colleagues he received a suspended sentence.

Reactions outside the school were emotional. Several parents expressed bafflement at the verdict and demanded a renewed judicial review. The Paris public prosecutor’s office filed an appeal on Wednesday – but only for three of the nine reported incidents. In its reasoning, the court of first instance referred to doubts about the material evidence and to the principle of the “bénéfice du doute”. This standard meets resistance among the families, who are demanding a more systematic approach to suspected cases in facilities caring for very young children.

At trial, the prosecution had sought a three-year prison sentence, including one year without suspension with electronic monitoring. The acquittals now send the case to the next instance: the appeals court will examine whether the doubts about proof of the acts hold up or whether the overall view of the statements and expert reports allows a different legal assessment. Until the hearing, the former youth worker remains with a prior conviction for the harassment charge, but is still considered innocent regarding the allegations against children.

The affair began in April 2025, when parents reported initial indications and the city of Paris took internal measures. Since then, additional training and controls have been announced in the municipal périscolaire. After the verdict, expectations are growing for the Mairie de Paris to tighten standards in after-school childcare, to standardize procedures for reporting, and to ensure psychosocial support for families. Victim support organizations point out how difficult forensic clarifications are with very young children and are pushing for specialized interview settings and clear documentation rules.

Politically, the case has already triggered movement: several deputies and city councilors have announced an in-depth review of the prevention chains in the area of school and leisure care. For the parents of the École Alphonse-Baudin, the situation remains stressful. Many primarily want transparency about the next legal steps, firm protection standards in the children’s daily lives, and a reliable point of contact while the appeal process is ongoing.