The Noumea prosecutor, Yves Dupas, confirmed on Wednesday 4 September in the early evening that an investigation had been opened into the rape of a 22-year-old girl, led by the Noumea investigation section, following a complaint filed by the victim. The events, reported in the morning by the Kanak and Socialist Front for National Liberation (FLNKS), took place on the evening of Friday 30 August in the Montravel district of Noumea. According to the FLNKS, the incident was allegedly committed by law enforcement officers, an accusation that was not corroborated by the prosecution.
The victim was returning home after the start of the curfew, introduced in the context of the unrest affecting New Caledonia since May 13 and which prohibits movement between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. According to the prosecution, the young woman “He explained that after a drunken evening with friends”, “A 4×4 vehicle would have stopped near him, and five subjects would have gotten out, four of them hooded in black”dressed in “black clothing and vests that may resemble bulletproof vests”.
After pointing out to him that he was traveling During curfew hours, the victim was allegedly kicked in the back causing him to lose consciousness. When he regained consciousness, he noticed that “They pulled down her pants and bra”The victim then scratched the unhooded individual, according to the prosecution.
Genetic analysis
Forensic tests were ordered which confirmed the young woman’s state of alcoholism, as well as “several bruises and abrasions”. Samples were also taken for genetic analysis.
The prosecutor stressed that, at this stage of the investigation, “The elements of the procedure cannot authorize anyone to insinuate, or even affirm, that agents belonging to the internal security forces are involved in the events reported.”.
In the morning, during a press conference, the FLNKS denounced “a crime committed by the forces of order »consequence of the “massive militarization” of the archipelago in response to the uprising that broke out on May 13. The FLNKS also echoed the comments of women’s associations that drew its attention to the issue, criticizing “sexual and predatory words and insults by the police against activists”.
