France Court Sentences 28 Individuals in Cyberbullying Case
In one of the most significant cyberbullying cases in France, a Paris court has sentenced twenty-eight individuals to prison for their involvement in an online harassment campaign against a prominent influencer.
Background
The court found the accused guilty of harassing Magali Berdah, a well-known figure in France’s lifestyle and fashion industry, following social media posts by French rapper Booba in December 2021.
Details of the Case
- Death threats, anti-Semitic remarks, and other hateful messages were part of the harassment campaign.
- The perpetrators, aged between 20 and 49, received prison sentences ranging from four to 18 months, with half of the term suspended.
- They were also fined, ordered to attend citizenship classes, and prohibited from contacting the victim for two years.
- The defendants were collectively ordered to pay €54,000 to Berdah for moral damages.
Booba’s Involvement
Judges heard that Booba, also known as Élie Yaffa, initiated the hate campaign against Berdah by launching a massive online attack against her.
Impact on the Victim
The court noted that the defendants were aware of the cyberbullying suffered by the victim and chose to participate, leading to significant consequences on Berdah’s mental health.
Victim’s Response
Berdah expressed relief at being recognized as a victim and described the ordeal as having a devastating impact on her life for two years.