The act of vandalism carried out at the Roodt-sur-Syre primary school over the Easter weekend was the work of minors, the public prosecutor’s office confirmed on Friday. Three teenagers aged 13, 15 and 16 have been identified on suspicion of having participated in the damage observed at the scene.
Marc Ries, the visibly shaken mayor of Betzdorf, did not mince his words in an interview with RTL, describing the destruction as a senseless trail of devastation throughout the building. The suspects destroyed equipment, including computers, laptops, monitors and screens, likely using a fire extinguisher. The total damage is estimated to be upwards of €100,000.
As the investigation progresses, the prosecutor’s office has ordered a series of investigative measures, including searches, which led to the seizure of several pieces of physical evidence currently being analysed. The aim is to establish the exact role and level of involvement of each of the three suspects. Given that the alleged acts fall under the legal framework governing the protection of minors, those involved will be subject to monitoring and further appropriate measures.
The financial consequences are expected to be substantial. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that the damages will be settled between the legal representatives of the minors and the municipal administration and/or the school. It also took the opportunity to remind that parents and guardians may be held financially liable for damage caused by minors in their care.
The prosecutor’s office was emphatic that acts of vandalism and damage to public property are by no means trivial. The suspects have not only damaged public property, but they have severely affected the functioning of a school.
The case remains under active investigation. The prosecutor’s office said it views the incident as part of a broader societal phenomenon in which delinquent behaviour among some minors, particularly under the influence of group dynamics or external factors, tends to manifest itself more visibly. Faced with this reality, it stated that the judicial authorities intend to continue acting rigorously, while pursuing a balanced approach aimed at holding young perpetrators accountable and preventing re-offending.
