A young man was assaulted and stabbed outside a nightclub in Castres, Tarn, on Friday in what his family members claim was a racially motivated attack – something denied by the authorities.
The Castres public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the violent attack that occurred as the victim was leaving the establishment.
Authorities report that initial findings do not suggest the attack was racially motivated; however, the victim’s mother has taken to social media to suggest otherwise.
According to her statement, the young man was outnumbered during the attack, facing approximately 20 individuals. She further alleged that the assailants expressed a racial intent.
“My son Leo was stabbed yesterday evening at the exit of Pop Art (nightclub). There were 20 men against him. The motive… they wanted to slit the throat of a Frenchman,” she wrote.
“What were those guys doing at the Pop Art exit with knives? Why did the police let them do it?
“We are not going to deprive our children of the opportunity to go out because of these young people who seek violence,” she added.
The victim’s mother confirmed her son had responded well to emergency treatment and was in recovery. “He’s doing well with stitches,” she wrote.
In response to the assault, the victim’s family has filed a formal complaint, urging a thorough investigation.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed it is pursuing all leads, with a focus on understanding the motivations and identifying all parties involved.
The investigation is ongoing.