“I’m still replaying the scene in my head”: after the attack on Samara, a somewhat special return to school at Rimbaud college in Montpellier

La police était sur place en ce lundi de rentrée. Midi Libre – L. D.

This Monday, April 22, for the resumption of classes after the holidays, the students found themselves in front of the establishment, trying to “put this story aside”, before learning that their teachers were finally on strike.

"Wait, did I have the wrong day or something ? I didn’not see anyone on the way",we hear around 8:30 a.m. in front of the Arthur-Rimbaud college this Monday, April 22, the day we resume after the holidays. The young girl calls out to a classmate who had not had the information that classes resumed exceptionally only at 9:30 a.m. Especially since they will ultimately not resume, the teachers have decided to strike, but the students are still welcomed within the premises of the establishment.

But before entering the college, on the square, a few groups gradually form. Before the bell rings, everyone returns to their vacation and greets each other. Like a classic return to school after two weeks of leave.

Only the presence of around ten police officers in front of the school reminds us that on April 2, a few days before the start of the school holidays, Samara, a 4th grade student, was arrested. beaten a few hundred meters away by other young people.

The police came in force on this back-to-school Monday. Midi Libre – L.D.

No fear, no fear for safety

"We are not afraid of going to college", explains a small group of 6th. For them, this attack did not impact them according to their statements, he knew neither the victim nor his attackers…

A little further away, two 5th grade students remain cautious. "We know Samara, it’s shocking what happened, but we’re not afraid, it’s a special case. " And to take advantage of it so that this "affair" can be useful: "At least now we know that we need to talk to our parents immediately as soon as we have problems…& ;quot;

As for the few parents who drop off their children, no fear is expressed. "What happened is an isolated case. It's a story about middle school students but not in middle school, it's really due to social networks, explains the mother of a student. "Especially since harassment here is closely monitored and the teachers are very responsive. Each time a report is made, the problem is resolved very quickly."

Students in his class who witnessed the attack

But a few are still marked: "We have been challenged a lot with this story", explains a middle school student who is in class with Samara. "Now it’s over. We have to move forward, he specifies. Another adds: "We're not afraid, we talked a lot about aggression in class, we could even go to the psychological unit to come back on history."

Both witnessed the lynching of Samara. "We were hanging out in front of the Lidl when we saw a crowd further away. I'm still replaying the scene in my head."The young boy tries to convince himself that he has moved on, but he specifies: "I couldn't intervene, it wasn't possible, there were twenty of them around", with this pang of guilt that still torments him. "It’was violent, it’ rsquo;was impossible to separate them, I don't see how I could…"

Even if he specifies that he was not necessarily friends with the victim, he does not remain indifferent. "We are not allowed to see her and the police took her phone. But we got some news via the class Snapchat group. She was able to use her mother's cell phone…" Samara had also replied that she would be back in class very quickly. According to the rectorate, we will have to wait a little longer. She will follow classes at home while she recovers. If she chooses to come back…

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