Six Paris firefighters, hailed as heroes for their actions in the Notre Dame fire last month, are now in police custody for the alleged gang rape of a young woman.
Six suspects were reportedly arrested over the weekend and faced a Paris judge on Monday (local time). They are under investigation for the gang rape of a 20-year-old Scandinavian student. The judge has officially launched a criminal inquiry.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was allegedly raped at Plaisance fire station by the off-duty firemen.
She claims she agreed to consensual sex with a fireman she met at a bar last Friday night (local time), but was attacked by his colleagues after arriving at their south Paris quarters. The suspects had reportedly been drinking heavily the night of the incident.
The young tourist reported her ordeal to prosecutors following the attack.
The firefighter the victim originally met is reportedly not a suspect in the investigation.
The names of the six alleged rapists have not been released, although they are confirmed to be aged between 25 and 35. The suspects face charges of rape and "failing to report a crime".
A source said other women had been taken back to the station on the night of the attack.
The Paris Fire Brigade were hailed as heroes for saving the iconic Notre Dame from being completely destroyed in a fire on April 15.
French President Emmanuel Macron honoured 500 of the firefighters atthe Elysee Palace, announcing they would all be the recipients of gold medals.
Unlike other French firefighters, those who serve the Paris Fire Brigade are deemed professional members of the French military.
Newshub.
